KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND UPTAKE OF HPV VACCINE AMONG FEMALE JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOUTH-EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
Presenting Author’s contact details:
Victory Gideon, Teesii
Victory_teesii@uniport.edu.ng
Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt,
Rivers State, Nigeria
+23480-769-769-02
Author and Co-author:
Teesii, Victory Gideon and Prof. Ordinioha, Best. best.ordinioha@uniport.edu.ng
Preferred presentation type: Oral presentation.
Victory Gideon, Teesii
Victory_teesii@uniport.edu.ng
Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt,
Rivers State, Nigeria
+23480-769-769-02
Author and Co-author:
Teesii, Victory Gideon and Prof. Ordinioha, Best. best.ordinioha@uniport.edu.ng
Preferred presentation type: Oral presentation.
Background
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. Although an effective vaccine exists, coverage remains suboptimal. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of the HPV vaccine among female junior secondary school students in the South-East Senatorial District of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. Although an effective vaccine exists, coverage remains suboptimal. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of the HPV vaccine among female junior secondary school students in the South-East Senatorial District of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 students selected through multi-stage sampling. Interviewer-administered questionnaires collected socio-demographic data and assessed knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine uptake. Data were cleansed and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression in SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results
Overall, 37.3% had poor knowledge, 51.3% fair, and 11.5% good knowledge. Knowledge was significantly associated with class (p = 0.0113) and parental education (p = 0.0001). Negative attitudes were prevalent (90%) and linked to parental education (p = 0.0488). Only 36.3% had received at least one vaccine dose, with 5.5% completing the series. Uptake was associated with age (p < 0.0001), class (p = 0.0003), and parental occupation (p = 0.0040). Predictors included ages 8–10 (aOR = 3.438), 11–13 (aOR = 4.090), JSS1 (aOR = 2.556), and JSS2 (aOR = 3.602). Barriers included low awareness, logistical issues, and safety concerns.
Conclusions
Low HPV vaccine knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor uptake persist among female students. Higher uptake among younger pupils highlights the value of early, school-based delivery. Strengthening parent engagement, integrating HPV education into curricula, and expanding equitable school-linked immunization platforms are critical to improving coverage and advancing cervical cancer prevention in low- and middle-income settings.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 students selected through multi-stage sampling. Interviewer-administered questionnaires collected socio-demographic data and assessed knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine uptake. Data were cleansed and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression in SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results
Overall, 37.3% had poor knowledge, 51.3% fair, and 11.5% good knowledge. Knowledge was significantly associated with class (p = 0.0113) and parental education (p = 0.0001). Negative attitudes were prevalent (90%) and linked to parental education (p = 0.0488). Only 36.3% had received at least one vaccine dose, with 5.5% completing the series. Uptake was associated with age (p < 0.0001), class (p = 0.0003), and parental occupation (p = 0.0040). Predictors included ages 8–10 (aOR = 3.438), 11–13 (aOR = 4.090), JSS1 (aOR = 2.556), and JSS2 (aOR = 3.602). Barriers included low awareness, logistical issues, and safety concerns.
Conclusions
Low HPV vaccine knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor uptake persist among female students. Higher uptake among younger pupils highlights the value of early, school-based delivery. Strengthening parent engagement, integrating HPV education into curricula, and expanding equitable school-linked immunization platforms are critical to improving coverage and advancing cervical cancer prevention in low- and middle-income settings.
TEESII VICTORY RESUME