Assessing the impact of knowledge, Attitude and Relegious Culture Belief in HPV Vaccine Hesitancy among Parents of Adolescent Girls in Lahore

Abstract

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer and a significant health problem in the population. Although the HPV vaccine is safe and effective, low vaccination coverage is a significant barrier especially in resource poor countries such as Pakistan. In 2025, the HPV vaccine was implemented in the national immunization program of Pakistan in a young group of girls in Lahore.

Objectives: To assess the impact of parents' knowledge, attitudes, and religious-cultural beliefs on HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents of adolescent girls in Lahore

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study of parents of adolescent girls (9-14 years) in Lahore. We recruited 252 parents from public and private schools and vaccination centres using a convenient sampling technique. Pre-tested questionnaire was used for collect the data which were comprise of questions related to knowledge, attitudes, religious-cultural practices and vaccine hesitancy. Inferential statistics were determining the relationships between independent variables and vaccine hesitancy with p-value below than 0.5 as statistically significant.

Results: Our research showed significant associations between parental knowledge, attitudes, cultural religious beliefs and HPV vaccine hesitancy. We anticipated that the more knowledgeable parents are the more favorable their attitudes towards the vaccine and the less impact of cultural-religious beliefs, the less likely they are to be hesitant. Similarly, positive attitudes and greater knowledge were predicted greater vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion: This study concluded that HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents of adolescent girls in Lahore was mainly influenced by inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and religious-cultural beliefs. Improving parental awareness through culturally sensitive education and strong healthcare provider recommendations can increase confidence in HPV vaccination. These strategies may enhance vaccine uptake and help reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer, in Pakistan.