Human papillomavirus knowledge and vaccine acceptability among Saudi parents regarding their children: a cross-sectional study at MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate Saudi parents’ knowledge of and acceptance of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine regarding their children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 Saudi parents of preadolescent and adolescent children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire distributed at Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs facilities, including King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital and Women’s Health Hospital. Results: Parental awareness of HPV and its vaccine was low, with only 35.6% of participants having heard of HPV and 27.4% being aware of the HPV vaccine. Vaccination uptake was limited, with 6.8% of daughters and 0.3% of sons reported being vaccinated. However, more than half of the parents expressed willingness to vaccinate their children, including 56.1% for sons and 61.9% for daughters. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with female gender and higher educational levels. The main barriers included insufficient information regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness, lack of awareness of its importance, and absence of physician recommendations. Conclusion: Parental knowledge regarding HPV was generally low, however, high potential for vaccine acceptance was observed when appropriate education was provided. Targeted awareness campaigns are essential to improve HPV vaccine uptake in Saudi Arabia.