Enhancing Human Papillomavirus Vaccine’s Knowledge and Perception Among Rural Mothers: An Educational Intervention Based on the Health Belief Model

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus remains a significant concern for public health, specifically in rural areas where there is limited knowledge and low levels of vaccination. Misconceptions and a lack of knowledge persist in rural areas regarding the effectiveness of the human papillomavirus vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and other related illnesses. Aim: Enhancing human papillomavirus vaccine’s knowledge and perception among rural mothers: an educational intervention based on the health belief model. Design: This study utilized a quasi-experimental research design. Settings: This study was conducted at the Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Quibly and Bahari at Shebin El-Kom. Sample: The study used a purposive sampling method to recruit 200 rural mothers. Instruments utilized for data collection included a structured self-administered questionnaire and the Champion Health Beliefs Model scale for human papillomavirus infection and vaccination. Results: The findings showed that 70.0% of rural women had a fair level of knowledge about human papillomavirus vaccination before the intervention, compared to 90.0% who had a high level of knowledge after the intervention. Additionally, the research indicates that 80.0% of the women initially had a negative perception in human papillomavirus vaccination, while 90.0% had a positive belief following the intervention. Conclusion: Rural mothers showed greater knowledge scores and positive perception about human papillomavirus vaccination after engaging in the health belief model-focused on an educational intervention than before. Recommendation: Educational campaigns and endorsements from healthcare providers are essential for increasing vaccination rates concerning Human Papillomavirus.