Exploring Vulnerable, Ethnic Minority, and Low Socioeconomic Children’s Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes Regarding HPV Vaccination in Romania
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objective: To assess vulnerable Romanian children’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the HPV vaccination. Methods: Vulnerable children (ethnic minorities, high social vulnerability index, or low socioeconomic status) from three schools in Cluj County, Romania, were enrolled in a short educational presentation regarding HPV and were delivered a physical questionnaire consisting of 26 items. Results: 199 vulnerable school students concluded the questionnaire with a mean age of 14.62. Most participants were unaware of the HPV infection or the HPV vaccine. Following the educational program, most participants exhibited a reasonably elevated level of knowledge, which positively correlated with the intention to vaccinate. Fifty-three per cent of respondents would vaccinate in school if the vaccine were available, fifty-four per cent would vaccinate if the product were free of charge or at minimal cost, and over sixty-four per cent would vaccinate at their doctor’s recommendation. Several knowledge items, beliefs, and attitudes towards vaccination were disclosed to influence children’s preference to participate in vaccination campaigns. Conclusions: This analysis unveiled the pivotal role of knowledge about HPV in the immunization uptake within underserved, vulnerable populations of Romanian children. An intricate interplay between vulnerability, knowledge, accessibility, and the willingness to vaccinate was impacted by several beliefs and attitudes towards HPV vaccination. Most children were willing to participate in HPV immunization campaigns, whether school-based, reimbursed, or at the doctor’s recommendation. These findings act as pillars for assembling future educational campaigns in vulnerable Romanian communities of children, aiming to enhance awareness and coverage of HPV vaccination and ensure inclusive health policies.
Source: Healthcare
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W4413379237