Awareness, Attitudes, And Practices Regarding HPV Vaccination Among Women in Lahore, Pakistan
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Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern among women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where preventive screening and vaccination services are underutilized. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal cause of cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination is an effective preventive strategy. However, awareness, acceptance, and uptake of HPV vaccination remain limited in Pakistan. Objective: To assess awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV vaccination among women in Lahore, Pakistan, and to identify key barriers influencing vaccine uptake. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 500 women aged 18–65 years attending outpatient departments of selected hospitals and selected rural areas of Lahore. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured proforma covering socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of cervical cancer, HPV infection and HPV vaccination, attitudes toward vaccination, preventive practices, and perceived barriers. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and results were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Results: Awareness of cervical cancer was reported by 360 participants (72.0%), while 205 (41.0%) had heard about HPV infection and 180 (36.0%) had heard about the HPV vaccine. Only 150 women (30.0%) knew that HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer. Although 290 participants (58.0%) were willing to receive the vaccine and 370 (74.0%) reported that physician recommendation would influence their decision, only 60 (12.0%) had received HPV vaccination and 90 (18.0%) had undergone cervical cancer screening. The main barriers were lack of awareness, high cost, fear of side effects, cultural hesitation, and absence of doctor recommendation. Conclusion: Women in Lahore showed favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccination but had limited HPV-specific knowledge and poor preventive practices. Community education, physician-led counseling, affordable vaccination, and accessible screening services are needed to improve cervical cancer prevention
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