Social and Cultural Factors Shaping Public Attitudes towards HPV Vaccination in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

One of the most effective ways to prevent a human papillomavirus infection leading to cervical cancer disease is the use of the HPV vaccine. Though, the introduction of the vaccine remains at a very low level in a great number of conservative and poorly resourced areas. This study was undertaken to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and sociocultural factors that influence the acceptance of the HPV vaccine among adults in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A quantitative cross, sectional study involving 200 respondents from different districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was conducted. The results pointed out that the participants had considerable gaps in their knowledge. Different statistical test has been applied for the scientific evaluation of the information Correlation analysis showed a very strong positive association between knowledge about HPV and attitudes toward acceptance of HPV vaccination, with Pearson correlation r = 0.937 and p < 0.001, indicating that higher knowledge was strongly linked to greater acceptance. The Pearson correlation values r = 0.417 and p < 0.05, confirming that socio cultural factors were having a significant positive relationship on the attitude acceptance of HPV vaccination. Chi square analysis additionally discovered a significant association between respondents’ level of education and willingness to vaccinate against HPV, with χ² = 44.767 and p = 0.001, demonstrating higher readiness for HPV vaccination among more educated individuals. A majority of respondents expressed disagreement regarding the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. The vaccination decision was found to be under influence such as the cultural values, religious beliefs and the family decision. A vast proportion of respondents agreed that absence of information decreases vaccine acceptance, indicating continuous communication gaps. In nutshell, the study confirms that low knowledge, negative perceptions of vaccine safety, strong sociocultural influences, and limited trust in formal health information systems collectively contribute to low HPV vaccine acceptance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The findings concluded the need for culturally suitable advocacy campaigns, reinforced healthcare provider communication, and community-based engagement to improve HPV vaccine confidence and uptake in the region.