Knowledge of human papillomavirus vaccination and related factors among parents of young adolescents: a nationwide survey in China

PurposeTo investigate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine–related knowledge and factors associated with the knowledge among parents of young adolescents in China.MethodsThe study was based on data of a survey carried out in seven geographic regions of China. Parents of students in junior middle school were surveyed during parents' meetings.ResultsA total of 2895 parents were included in the analyses. Of parents, 38.3% responded with “yes” to more than three of the six knowledge questions, among whom only 4.5% of them correctly answered all six questions. Social benefit programs (41.3%), doctors and/or nurses (39.7%), and newspapers and/or magazines (36.5%) were selected as the top three sources of HPV-related knowledge. Mothers, parents who work in the health care sector, and parents with a higher annual income or with vaccination experience outside the expanded program on immunization showed a better knowledge base. Parents who consented to sex education for children or showed fear of cervical cancer were likely to have more HPV-related knowledge. In particular, the knowledge level of parents with prior consultation regarding HPV vaccines was higher.ConclusionsParents of young adolescents in China possessed a low level of HPV vaccine–related knowledge. Findings highlight the need for tailored health education through different channels to improve HPV-related knowledge among parents.