Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV vaccine among parents with adolescent girls 9 to 13 years in Sefhare, Botswana

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases. It is the causative agent of cervical cancer, anal, and penile cancers. The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of parents towards HPV and HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer in girls aged 9 to 13 years and HPV vaccine uptake. The study was conducted in Sefhare village, in the Central District of Botswana. The researcher selected a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design and data was collected using a questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. The study population consisted of parents of adolescent girls of ages 9-13 years living in four wards of Sefhare village. Data was analysed using SPSS version 19. The study found a high level (71.8%) of knowledge about HPV infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine and a positive attitude (81.5%) and behaviour (62%) towards the HPV vaccine.