Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among academics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The South African Government has recently implemented the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme through the school health system. For the vaccination programme to be effective, it is important to investigate the acceptability of the vaccines among university academics. The objective of this study was to determine the awareness and acceptability of HPV vaccination among university academics, and to investigate whether health information increases the acceptability of the vaccines.

Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among academics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal — excluding medical school academics. Data were collected using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire, via an online survey.

Results: It was found that most academics were aware of cervical cancer and HPV infections. The health information regarding HPV infections and vaccines had significantly increased the acceptance of HPV vaccine for their daughters (79% to 88%, p < 0.05). There was a knowledge gap regarding the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

Conclusion: University academics need to be educated on this preventable disease so that they can provide accurate information to their students, who are in the high-risk population for cervical cancer.