Determinants of Parents’ Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a highly effective strategy for preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Parental knowledge and perceptions play a critical role in vaccine acceptance. This study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge and perceptions regarding HPV vaccination and identify factors associated with poor knowledge among parents of girls aged 12–18 years in Tunisia. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted among parents of girls aged 12–18 years in Sfax, Tunisia. Data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination, and perceptions toward HPV vaccination. Factors associated with poor knowledge were analyzed. Results: Among 350 participants, the median age was 35 years, and 302 (86.3%) were mothers. Although 238 (68.0%) parents had heard of HPV and 262 (74.9%) had heard of HPV vaccination, knowledge remained limited, with a median score of 2 (IQR: 1–3); 139 (39.7%) participants had poor knowledge. Only 16 (4.6%) reported that their child had received HPV vaccination, whereas 167 (47.7%) refused it. The main barriers were concerns about vaccine side effects (46.0%) and insufficient information (31.1%). Lower education, low socioeconomic status, rural residence, unemployment, lack of previous HPV awareness, and absence of social media use were associated with poor knowledge . Conclusion: Despite relatively high HPV awareness, parental knowledge and vaccine uptake remain insufficient in Tunisia. Targeted education by healthcare professionals, school-based awareness programs, and evidence-based communication strategies are needed to improve HPV vaccine acceptance.