Perceptions of Young Women on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Using the Health Belief Model

This study was conducted to determine the perceptions of young women on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination. Specifically the study aimed to describe awareness on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and its predisposing factors, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived hindrances in HPV vaccination. This research used a descriptive, qualitative method by interviewing ten female college students of Liceo de Cagayan University. Purposive sampling was conducted. Results showed that six out of ten students accurately described HPV while the rest were unaware. The respondents cited that the factors that increase their susceptibility to HPV are multiple sexual contact, unprotected sex, and unhealthy lifestyle. With respect to self-perceived level of susceptibility, half of them are not susceptible because of their non-engagement in risky sexual practices. For the benefits, the themes centered on the prevention of cervical cancer following HPV vaccination while there were two major barriers in HPV vaccination identified, namely expense and knowledge deficit. Lack of information drive, less HPV availability, low educational attainment, and personal attitude by taking disease lightly also prevented their decision to submit to HPV vaccination. Basing on the Health Belief Model, the female college students would less probably undergo HPV vaccination due to perceived zero susceptibility and more hindrances than benefits.

 

Keywords - Perceptions, Human Papillomavirus Vaccination, young women