Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intention Toward HPV Vaccination Among Reproductive-aged Women With Rheumatic Diseases.

BACKGROUND/

Objective

This single-center, observational, and pre-post interventional study design evaluated HPV vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and intentions among reproductive-aged women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs).

Methods

Patients attending a rheumatology clinic at a university hospital in Monterrey, Mexico, completed a validated survey assessing HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination intentions. Demographic and clinical data were collected cross-sectionally at baseline. Participants received a brief, standardized educational intervention on HPV infection and vaccination. The primary endpoint was vaccination intention (10-point scale) measured at baseline and immediately postintervention. Data were summarized using medians and interquartile ranges (IQR). Linear regression identified factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Change in vaccination intention was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

One hundred ninety-four patients completed the survey. Median HPV knowledge was 7 (IQR: 4 to 9); attitudes were generally positive (median 2.1; IQR: 1.7 to 2.5). The educational intervention significantly increased vaccination intention (median 8 to 9; p=0.002). Vaccine hesitancy was independently associated with age greater than 30 years, monthly income <500 USD, education greater than high school, and no prior cervical cytology.

Conclusions

Women with ARDs demonstrated favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccination but limited baseline knowledge. A single, brief educational session significantly improved vaccination intention. Primary care clinicians and rheumatologists should integrate concise, targeted HPV vaccine counseling into routine care visits to address knowledge gaps and reduce hesitancy, thereby supporting higher vaccine uptake in this high-risk population.