Relationship between HPV vaccine hesitancy and attitudes towards early detection of cervical cancer in women of reproductive age
This study aimed to examine the association between HPV vaccine hesitancy and attitudes towards the early detection of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age. This study uses a descriptive and correlational design. Data were collected between 15 May and 15 October 2023 from a sample of 1240 women of reproductive age using Google's online snowball survey tool. Data collection tools included an Information Form, the Attitudes Towards Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer Scale, and the Vaccination Hesitancy and Reasons Form based on the WHO 3Cs model. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency), the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis were used to analyse the data. The reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Mugla Sitki Kocman University (Protocol No: 220186/Decision No: 15), and participants gave informed consent electronically prior to participation. The participants' mean age was 20.66 ± 2.38 years. Statistically significant differences were observed between variables such as educational status, income level, and primary residence, and attitudes toward HPV vaccination (P < .05). Smoking status was identified as a significant factor influencing vaccination attitudes (P = .001). Friends (38.4%) and the Internet (31.1%) were reported as the primary sources of information about HPV vaccination. Regarding barriers, 54.7% of participants stated they did not know where to obtain the vaccine, and 25% identified the requirement for multiple doses as a challenge. Concerns about vaccine safety (51.4%), fear of infertility (28.2%), and potential allergic reactions (19.7%) were also noted. Beliefs about the necessity of vaccination and its role in preventing cancer significantly influenced attitudes and hesitancy (P < .001). Overall, HPV vaccine hesitancy was closely associated with participants' level of knowledge, beliefs, and sociodemographic characteristics. To reduce vaccine hesitancy, it is important to establish accessible and trustworthy information channels, engage healthcare professionals more actively in HPV vaccination advocacy, and conduct public health campaigns targeting young adults through popular digital platforms. In addition, addressing structural barriers - such as the cost of the vaccine, access to vaccination centres and concerns about side effects - through policy-level action could significantly improve uptake of the vaccine and encourage participation in cervical cancer screening programs.