Perceptions of Lebanese female university students about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine : a qualitative study -

Abstract

The thesis explores perceptions about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among Lebanese female undergraduate and graduate students aged 18-26 years at the American University of Beirut. These students were from all faculties except for the Faculty of Health Sciences. The study aims to determine these students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine.The HPV vaccine was introduced worldwide and provides protection against several types of HPV. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers and genital warts. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends vaccinating girls and boys from age 13 to 26 years in three doses prior to sexual debut. This thesis investigates the perceptions of HPV and the HPV vaccine among students using qualitative research methods. I conducted in-depth interviews with 35 women related to facilitators and barriers to vaccination, messages received from the surrounding environments and strategies for raising awareness.HPV awareness is low and so is awareness about cervical cancer, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the Pap smear. Very few participants had been vaccinated and those who were interested to receive vaccination focused on the cancer prevention part of the vaccine rather than HPV prevention. As for those who refused to receive the HPV vaccine, their concerns were about side effects, cost, fear of introducing a new substance in the body and perception of being low risk. Interviewees stated that educational institutions do not teach about HPV, but should include it in their education curriculum. Although this study shows that many physicians recommended vaccination, some physicians did not, especially family medicine physicians. Students were also hesitant to discuss health related issues such as vaccination with peers and physicians. The taboo surrounding sex was a prominent barrier in the society and therewas lack of communication between parents and students about sex that may act