ABSTRACT
This study aims to evaluate the extent of human papilloma virus vaccine awareness among parents of girls in vaccine age group, their acceptability of the vaccine and factors associated with refusal. We conducted a survey among parents of girls aged 8-15 years, followed-up for several diseases in the Department of Pediatrics at the University Hospital Mohamed VI in Marrakech, Morocco, on parents' profile, their awareness of cancer of the cervix, HPV and HPV vaccine, the acceptance of HPV vaccine for their daughters and the arguments related to refusal. Ninety six questionnaires were included in the analysis. Cancer of the cervix was considered frequent for 58% of parents. Only 5% of parents knew about HPV vaccine. Media were the source of information in all cases. Nobody had no idea about the cost of the vaccine and its tolerance. No girl was vaccinated against HPV. Sixty-three per cent of parents want their daughters to be vaccinated, this rate increased by 82% after awareness. Thirteen per cent of the parents were hesitant while 24% refused to vaccinate their daughters mainly due to side effects (51%). Parents refusing vaccine were predominantly males with medium socioeconomic status and cultural level and were unaware of the virus and the vaccine in 91% of cases. This study highlights the reasons for parents' reluctance towards HPV vaccine in order to optimize strategies for effective communication with parents.
