INVESTIGATION OF ATTITUDES TOWARD HPV VACCINATION IN HUNGARIAN WALDORF COMMUNITIES
Author(s)
Barbara Dankovics, BSc1, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD2, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD3, Réka Vajda, MSc, PhD3.
1Institute of Foundation Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute of Foundation Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is an effective preventive measure; however, its acceptance varies across communities. This study aimed to assess parental attitudes, knowledge, and information sources regarding HPV vaccination in Hungarian Waldorf communities and compare them with those of parents of children attending non-Waldorf schools.
METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2025 using an online, anonymous questionnaire (N = 217) among parents of children in grades 6-8. The survey examined sociodemographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, vaccination attitudes, information sources, and community influences. Vaccine hesitancy was measured using the validated PACV and VHS scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and linear regression (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: Of the participants, 59.9% had children in Waldorf schools and 40.1% in non-Waldorf schools. Among 7th-8th graders, 43.8% had received the HPV vaccine. Vaccination coverage was significantly lower in the Waldorf group (46.8% vs. 81.5%; p < 0.001), as was future vaccination willingness (47.6% vs. 84.8%; p = 0.004). The main reasons for refusal were perceiving the vaccine as unnecessary (75.4%) and fear of side effects (50.9%). Vaccine hesitancy was higher in the Waldorf group (PACV: 41.7 vs. 18.6; VHS: 2.67 vs. 2.12; p < 0.001). A weak negative correlation was found between HPV knowledge and vaccination attitudes (r = -0.166; p = 0.019), but no significant association with vaccination decisions (p = 0.073).
CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences exist between Waldorf and non-Waldorf communities in HPV vaccination attitudes. Decisions are influenced more by trust and information sources than by knowledge level, highlighting the need for community-specific, trust-based health communication strategies.
METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2025 using an online, anonymous questionnaire (N = 217) among parents of children in grades 6-8. The survey examined sociodemographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, vaccination attitudes, information sources, and community influences. Vaccine hesitancy was measured using the validated PACV and VHS scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and linear regression (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: Of the participants, 59.9% had children in Waldorf schools and 40.1% in non-Waldorf schools. Among 7th-8th graders, 43.8% had received the HPV vaccine. Vaccination coverage was significantly lower in the Waldorf group (46.8% vs. 81.5%; p < 0.001), as was future vaccination willingness (47.6% vs. 84.8%; p = 0.004). The main reasons for refusal were perceiving the vaccine as unnecessary (75.4%) and fear of side effects (50.9%). Vaccine hesitancy was higher in the Waldorf group (PACV: 41.7 vs. 18.6; VHS: 2.67 vs. 2.12; p < 0.001). A weak negative correlation was found between HPV knowledge and vaccination attitudes (r = -0.166; p = 0.019), but no significant association with vaccination decisions (p = 0.073).
CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences exist between Waldorf and non-Waldorf communities in HPV vaccination attitudes. Decisions are influenced more by trust and information sources than by knowledge level, highlighting the need for community-specific, trust-based health communication strategies.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
EPH34
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Reproductive & Sexual Health