Women's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions Concerning Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Findings of a Waiting Room Survey of Obstetrics-Gynaecology Outpatients

Objective: To assess women's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 98 women (90.7% response rate) attending a hospital-based obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient clinic in a mid-size Ontario city. Results: Women had a moderate level of knowledge of general HPV-related issues, but lacked information about the ability of barrier contraception to prevent HPV and about characteristics of HPV vaccination. Women were strongly supportive of HPV vaccination for both male and female teenagers, but reported low levels of intention to receive vaccination themselves. Physician recommendation was the most influential factor in women intention to be vaccinated, and younger women were more likely to say they intended to be vaccinated. HPV-related knowledge, level of education, and number of previous sexual partners were unrelated to women's intentions to receive HPV vaccination. Conclusion: Findings indicate that women's knowledge about HPV vaccination is inconsistent, that women are supportive of vaccinating both male and female teenagers, and that physician recommendation and younger age are associated with women's interest in receiving the vaccine.