Awareness and acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among parents in Tshwane, South Africa

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme is the most effective strategy to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. However, little is known about the parents’ knowledge and awareness of the programme, as they are important role players in its successful implementation. Aim: To determine the awareness, knowledge and factors associated with HPV vaccination programme acceptability among parents of Grade 5 girls attending public primary schools. Setting: The study was conducted in Sub-District 6, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in the Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 421 participants from 21 schools utilising a self-administered questionnaire. Frequency distribution and logistic regression were used to analyse data. STATA 17 SE software was used. Results: About 321 questionnaires (N = 321) were returned, constituting a response rate of 76%. The levels of awareness (n = 279, 87%) and acceptability (n = 286, 89%) were high, with relatively lower, but still significant knowledge (n = 215, 67%). Black parents who were aware and knowledgeable about the programme were significantly more likely to accept the vaccination programme. Conclusion: Despite high levels of programme awareness and acceptability among parents of eligible girls, there remained crucial knowledge gaps regarding programme specifics. Inadequate knowledge may contribute to parents’ low submission of consent forms, resulting in sub-optimal vaccine uptake. Contribution: Enhanced parental education on HPV vaccination and its proven effectiveness is essential to ensure optimal vaccine uptake, prevent infection and address vaccine hesitancy.