Attitudes, Intentions, and Perceived Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Korean High School Girls and Their Mothers

Abstract

Background: The vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer is now available. Parent's attitudes and intention toward HPV vaccination may be an important factor affecting a daughter's intention to receive an HPV vaccine. Objectives: This study examined the attitudes, intentions, and perceived barriers to HPV vaccination among Korean high school girls and their mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational and comparative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 726 high school girls and 667 mothers. Results: Participants reported favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccination. Girls were more willing to receive the HPV vaccination if it was recommended by clinicians or parents than by friends or teachers. The major barriers to HPV vaccination were the high cost, the fact that not many people they knew had received the vaccination, and the HPV vaccination had not been personally recommended. Conclusions: More efforts to raise awareness about HPV vaccination and to minimize the barriers are required in this population. Implications for Practice: Active recommendations of the HPV vaccination by clinicians and parents would be helpful.