Keywords
Human Papilloma Virus vaccine
Undergraduates
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: About 70% of cervical cancer occurrences globally are caused by Human Papilloma Virus strains 16 and 18. The prevalence of cervical cancer can be decreased by Human papilloma virus vaccines that protect against Human papilloma virus 16 and 18 infections. The World Health Organization had identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health in 2019. A study conducted in China shows that 62.36% medical students reported having Human papilloma virus vaccine hesitancy.
Objectives: To assess the Human papilloma virus vaccine hesitancy among female undergraduate students in a medical college of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 female undergraduate students studying at a Medical College, Kathmandu. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire using google form and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science version 27.
Results: Out of 428 respondents, 377 (88.1%) had Human papilloma vaccination hesitancy. Convenience was pointed out as the major domain with highest hesitancy against the Human Papilloma vaccine. Among all the reasons, the expensive cost of Human Papilloma vaccine was the main reasons for respondent's hesitancy against Human Papilloma vaccine.
Conclusion: The findings of the study showed very high hesitancy regarding Human papilloma virus vaccine. Educating students about the advantages of the Human Papilloma vaccine and making it more affordable will help lower vaccine hesitancy and increase Human Papilloma vaccine vaccination rates, eventually reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer.
References
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