Date of Completion

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

Keywords

HPV, Cervical cancer, Immunization, Vaccine

Abstract

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an established viral infection that may be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and can lead to cervical cancer; which is easily preventable with regular screening and immunization with the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine prevents patients from new infections but does not treat present HPV infections or related diseases. However, mothers in the Philippines are highly skeptical of the immunization process of HPV, or the HPV vaccine itself. Therefore this study aims to determine whether there is significant difference in the level of maternal knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions based on accessibility of the HPV vaccine.

Methods: A quantitative study was conducted with 383 respondents who reside in Calamba City, Laguna. KAP surveys were utilized as the research instrument and were distributed to various barangays, by the cluster leaders of the Serbisyong Tama Kababaihan organization (STK), a non-governmental organization of women in Calamba which is recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The respondents are composed of mothers with daughters aged 9-17 years old. Recruitment of respondents was done by quota sampling.

Results: The results have shown that mothers from Calamba have insufficient knowledge, neutral attitudes, and neutral perceptions regarding the HPV vaccine. Religion, educational attainment, and income are sociodemographic factors that create significant differences in their KAP. Most mothers find it hard to access the vaccine in Calamba. Its accessibility in their location has a significant positive relationship to their KAP, while the levels of their KAP create a significant difference in their acceptance of the vaccine.

Conclusion: The mothers residing in Calamba, Laguna with 9-17 years old daughters have insufficient knowledge regarding HPV and HPV Vaccination which were associated with the low acceptance of the HPV vaccine for their daughters. Further education of the mothers may increase their knowledge and overall health literacy, and foster more favorable attitudes and beliefs towards HPV vaccination. Ultimately, this will aid in the heightening in the acceptability of the HPV vaccine for mothers in Calamba, Laguna.

First Advisor

Maria Teresa T. Basilides

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