Atitudes dos pais diante da vacinação de suas filhas contra o HPV na prevenção do câncer de colo do útero

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate public knowledge about HPV through opinion gathering and behavior analysis. Method: This is a transversal, exploratory, quantitative study involving individuals who are legal guardians of at least one daughter (under the age of 26 years and 11 months). We conducted 455 structured interviews with sociodemographic valid data, level of information, and opinion about vaccination against HPV. Results: Knowledge about the vaccine contemplated 79.3% of the sample, with 92.7% approval of the vaccination policy; knowledge about HPV is adequate mainly among women, Caucasian, residents of the central region, and inadequate knowledge is evident in poorer and unmarried populations. Conclusions: The sample agrees with the extension of the age range of the campaign for free distribution of the vaccine, coupled with education to improve knowledge on the effectiveness of vaccines in the underserved populations. However, we have concluded that in the age group proposed by the policy, 9 to 13 years old, parents should be responsible for the decision to vaccinate their daughters.