Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the common cancer among women worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity rates. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is one of several preventative options for cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is just introduced in Nepal and is still not included in the national immunization schedule. Awareness courses for parents may be beneficial in overcoming their hesitancy. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a structured educational intervention on parents' knowledge, perception, and acceptance towards HPV vaccine. METHODS: An interventional one-group pretest and posttest study design was used among selected parents whose daughters are currently studying in classes 5-7 (Ages 9-12 years) in the schools of Bharatpur metropolitan. Multistage sampling technique was used to select sample population. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected between January 1, 2023 to February 30, 2023-through a structured self-administered questionnaire in the structured-educational intervention program. Collected data were analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social science version 22. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between pre-and post-educational intervention parents' knowledge and perception of HPV infection. The result showed a significant increase in knowledge scores before (mean 7.02, SD 3.11) to after (mean 27.81, SD 4.20), t(-75.97), p ≤ 0.001. Similarly, a significant increase in perception scores before (mean 27.81, SD 4.20) to after (mean 41.50, SD 2.91), t(-49.95), p ≤ 0.001. Acceptance of HPV vaccine was also increased in posttest (40.3%-87.9%). CONCLUSION: After the structured-educational intervention, there were significant improvements in parents' knowledge, and perception, with increasing acceptance of the HPV vaccine. A structured educational intervention designed for parents may have important implications for improving vaccine acceptability. Awareness program about regarding HPV infection and the HPV vaccine would be beneficial to raise the acceptance of vaccine.