The brakes and levers to HPV vaccination

Abstract

Study aims : The immunization coverage against HPV remains low in France (less than 20%). The attitude of French girls was studied to understand the motivations and breaks to HPV. Methods : This study was conducted in 2014 on a population of 170 young women aged 15 to 25 years. Predictors of intention to vaccinate against the HPV were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire with items taken from previous research and based on TPB (Theory of Planned Behavior, Aizen et al, 1986). Statistical analyzes were performed using the software R. Different types of treatment were carried out on the data: Analyze of comparisons; Analyze of associations between variables and Linear Regression; Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results : Our results mostly confirm previous studies and provide new insights about the process of decision on vaccine acceptance. The proposed model elucidates the articulation between the different factors. It appears that certain factors such as the favorable attitude to vaccination, vaccine safety, the perceived control, and the anticipated regret play a decisive role in this decision process. The doctor’s advice and family also play an important role. Conclusion : HPV knowledge was found to be low. However, this does not constitute a barrier to the acceptance of vaccination. From the performed classification treatment we are able to find a category of people “neutralâ€, who need to be better informed on HPV in order to decide if they should be vaccinated. A targeted intervention would be helpful to this category to elucidate their questions.