Cultural and religious influences on parental knowledge of HPV infection and female vaccination in Egypt: a national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, significantly contributing to cervical and other cancers. In Egypt, where cultural and religious norms shape health perceptions, HPV prevention, especially vaccination, remains a critical public health issue. This study investigates parental knowledge and attitudes towards HPV infection and vaccination in Egypt, focusing on the influence of cultural and religious beliefs.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2024 among 776 Egyptian parents. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods. A comprehensive questionnaire, translated and validated in Arabic, assessed knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, beliefs about HPV vaccination, and vaccine acceptability. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28, applying non-parametric tests to examine associations between demographic factors and study outcomes.

RESULTS

While 38.5% of parents had heard of HPV, only 26.2% knew about the HPV vaccine. Higher education levels and income were significantly associated with better knowledge of HPV transmission and its link to cervical cancer. Cultural and religious factors played a pivotal role in shaping beliefs, with older and less educated parents showing lower levels of vaccine acceptance. Mothers were more willing than fathers to vaccinate themselves and their daughters, with willingness influenced by gender, age, and income.

CONCLUSION

Parental awareness of HPV and its vaccine remains low in Egypt, with significant cultural and religious influences on health beliefs and behaviors. Tailored public health interventions addressing these factors are needed to improve HPV vaccine uptake and reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases in Egypt.