Impact of a structured educational campaign on awareness, perceptions, and attitudes towards HPV vaccination and cervical cancer in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world and is prevalent cancer across Saudi Arabia, caused primarily by chronic infection with high-risk oncogenic strains of HPV. In 2013 The Saudi Ministry of Health introduced HPV vaccination program, but awareness of cervical cancer and HPV remains low among Saudi Arabia, Lack of awareness is a major barrier to increasing HPV vaccine acceptance. Studies have demonstrated that public health awareness campaigns, in particular, can drastically change people's perceptions of HPV and cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine whether a structured educational program on cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine in Saudi Arabia enhances community awareness and understanding of these issues.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study, the questionnaire included knowledge about cervical cancer causes, screening program, and HPV vaccination. Participants were divided into two groups (campaign visitors) those who attended the campaign and (the general population) those who lived in Jeddah Saudi Arabia but didn't attend the campaign. We collected the data through face-to-face interviews and included those above 18.

Results 

We have seen a significant difference in the level of awareness in those attended who attend and those who didn't, with the latter having a lower rate of awareness. Demographic factors showed no significant correlation with the levels of knowledge.

Conclusion 

Our study has shown that structured educational campaigns raise awareness regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. We recommend doing more structured campaigns to increase awareness and acceptance of the vaccine and the screening program.