2 research outputs found
Awareness of cervical cancer and willingness to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus in Mozambican adolescent girls
Sub-Saharan Africa concentrates the largest burden of cervical
cancer worldwide. The introduction of the HPV vaccination in
this region is urgent and strategic to meet global health
targets. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in
Mozambique prior to the first round of the HPV vaccine
demonstration programme. It targeted girls aged 10-19 years old
identified from schools and households. Face-to-face structured
interviews were conducted. A total of 1,147 adolescents were
enrolled in three selected districts of the country. Most girls
[84% (967/1147)] had heard of cervical cancer, while 76%
believed that cervical cancer could be prevented. However only
33% (373/1144) of girls recognized having ever heard of HPV.
When girls were asked whether they would accept to be vaccinated
if a vaccine was available in Mozambique, 91% (1025/1130)
answered positively. Girls from the HPV demonstration districts
showed higher awareness on HPV and cervical cancer, and
willingness to be vaccinated. This study anticipates high
acceptability of the HPV vaccine in Mozambique and high
awareness about cervical cancer, despite low HPV knowledge.
These results highlight that targeted health education programs
are critical for acceptance of new tools, and are encouraging
for the reduction of cervical cancer related mortality and
morbidity in Mozambique
Awareness of cervical cancer and willingness to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus in Mozambican adolescent girls
Sub-Saharan Africa concentrates the largest burden of cervical
cancer worldwide. The introduction of the HPV vaccination in
this region is urgent and strategic to meet global health
targets. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in
Mozambique prior to the first round of the HPV vaccine
demonstration programme. It targeted girls aged 10-19 years old
identified from schools and households. Face-to-face structured
interviews were conducted. A total of 1,147 adolescents were
enrolled in three selected districts of the country. Most girls
[84% (967/1147)] had heard of cervical cancer, while 76%
believed that cervical cancer could be prevented. However only
33% (373/1144) of girls recognized having ever heard of HPV.
When girls were asked whether they would accept to be vaccinated
if a vaccine was available in Mozambique, 91% (1025/1130)
answered positively. Girls from the HPV demonstration districts
showed higher awareness on HPV and cervical cancer, and
willingness to be vaccinated. This study anticipates high
acceptability of the HPV vaccine in Mozambique and high
awareness about cervical cancer, despite low HPV knowledge.
These results highlight that targeted health education programs
are critical for acceptance of new tools, and are encouraging
for the reduction of cervical cancer related mortality and
morbidity in Mozambique