Knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among 10 to 14 years school going adolescent girls and parents of Korail slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh. However, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides up to 97% protection against cervical cancer when given to women during adolescence. Barriers such as limited healthcare access, misinformation and cultural norms hinder HPV vaccination efforts. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding HPV vaccination among adolescent girls aged 10 to14 years and their parents in Korail slum, Dhaka by using the Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSD) framework. A mixed-method approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through a census survey of 161 school-going adolescent girls aged 10 to 14 years. On the other hand, qualitative insights were derived from three focus group discussions (FGDs), two with mothers and one with fathers. Challenges in conducting FGDs with fathers arose due to their work schedules and heightened political tensions in the area, limiting their participation. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics for the quantitative findings and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Quantitative results revealed that while 99.38% of participants had heard about the HPV vaccine, primarily through schools, only 62.73% understood its purpose. Schools (95.71%) and the perceived health benefits of vaccination (96.43%) were key motivators for uptake. However, barriers like fear of side effects (20%), lack of parental approval (13.33%) and misinformation (71.43%) persisted. Qualitative findings emphasized the role of trusted figures, such as teachers and healthcare workers, in addressing misconceptions. Community members valued the vaccine’s preventive benefits and it's free availability but stressed the need for clearer communication and community outreach. In conclusion, high awareness of HPV vaccination was observed. Yet detailed knowledge and acceptance were limited among the residents by misinformation and logistical challenges. Effective interventions must focus on targeted health education campaigns, community engagement and strategies to overcome socio-political barriers to improve vaccine uptake and reduce cervical cancer prevalence in underserved communities.