Factors Affecting Vaccination Status of Female Adolescents Subject to the Korean National HPV Immunization Program: Focusing on Mothers' HPV Knowledge and Heath Beliefs of HPV Vaccines

Purpose: HPV vaccination is important for the prevention of cervical cancer and genital warts and it is recommended that females be vaccinated against HPV before having sexual contact. Although the national HPV immunization has recently started in Korea, the vaccination rate is still not high. This is a relevant study attempting to investigate the factors affecting the vaccination status of female adolescents in the target age groups focusing on mothers' knowledge and health beliefs of HPV vaccines. Methods: Participants were 206 mothers who had daughters at the target age for the national HPV vaccination program living in a metropolitan city. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire about HPV knowledge and health beliefs of HPV vaccines, consisting of perceived susceptibility seriousness, benefits, barriers, and cues to action. Results: The participants' knowledge of HPV was significantly correlated with the overall health beliefs. The factors influencing mothers regarding the HPV vaccination status of their adolescent daughters were found to be perceived barriers, advice on vaccination from medical staff, and perceived benefits. Conclusion: There is a need to organize subject-specific education programs focusing on correcting misinformation about the side effects and benefits of HPV vaccines. When operating education programs, it is recommended that participants include both students and their parents, that various approaches be implemented such as formal health classes, home correspondence and online education, and that medical personnel be also involved as education providers.