A pivotal time in global cervical cancer prevention: Examining young women's awareness about the human papillomavirous and attitudes towards the HPV vaccine in Durban, South Africa

It is a pivotal time in cervical cancer prevention for young South African (SA) women. Cervical cancer and infection with human immunodeficiency virus are both major public health concerns in SA. This study describes knowledge of female adolescents and young adults (AYA) about HPV, cervical cancer and explores predictors of HPV vaccine and HPV self-sample testing acceptability. In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were administered to 122 female AYA who involved in a longitudinal study (AYAZAZI) which examined risk factors involved with HIV acquisition. Results indicated that although awareness and knowledge about these topics was very low among participants, as were perceptions of risk of acquiring HPV and developing cervical cancer, acceptability was very high towards HPV vaccines for self (97%) and (future) children (95%), as well for self-sample testing (85%). No significant variables were found to be associated with risk perception or self-sample acceptance. A significant difference was found between participants’ perceived risk of acquiring HPV, HIV, and developing cervical cancer compared to the risk they felt other female AYA in their communities were at. The most influential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information source and significant influences on HPV vaccine recommendations for participants were health care providers. Findings from this study are important in designing effective cervical cancer control programs that can attract more AYA for HPV vaccines and screening. As the HPV vaccine has only recently been introduced at a national level in SA, this study about awareness and vaccine acceptability is timely.