Factors Associated with Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Chinese Female University Students in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study explored the participation rate for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, determined their level of acceptability of HPV vaccination and identified its associated factors among female university students in Hong Kong. A convenience sample of 247 female university students was recruited from a university in Hong Kong in 2008. The uptake rate of HPV vaccine was 9.7%. Higher level of knowledge in cervical cancer and vaccine, acceptability of HPV vaccine, and perceived barrier of ‘not likely to have cervical cancer’ of HPV vaccination were associated with a greater likelihood of HPV vaccination while a higher level in the perceived barrier of ‘cost of vaccination’ was associated with a smaller likelihood of the vaccination. The uptake of HPV vaccine was low in Hong Kong female university students. A number of modifiable factors associated with HPV vaccination were identified which provides specific targets for interventions.