Awareness of cervical cancer vaccination among educated females: a Bangladeshi perspective

Abstract

In Bangladesh, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women, the most frequent risk factor for cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). Prevention of this cancer through vaccination and early detection may be influenced by the population's level of understanding, knowledge and acceptance. In this study, a questionnaire survey assessed educated women's understanding and acceptance of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination in Bangladesh. 91 respondents voluntarily participated with a median age of 24+ with minimum educational qualification of higher secondary. Above 80% of the participants heard about cervical cancer but only 32.3% heard about the HPV vaccination. Among all the participants, only 11% have taken the vaccine. However, among the unvaccinated population, 77% are willing to take the vaccine. This study discovered a lack of knowledge on cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. As a result, awareness programs are urgently needed to raise awareness for early identification and prevention of this cancer.