Knowledge and Attitude Towards Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Have Eligible Daughters in Debre Markos Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Assessment of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Knowledge and Attitudes Among Adolescent School Girls in Debre Berhan City, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims

Chronic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the main cause of cervical carcinoma (CC). It has a significant worldwide disease burden and is the fourth most prevalent malignancy in women. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Ethiopian women, causing an estimated 4884 deaths and 7095 new instances of diagnosis annually. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes of HPV vaccine among adolescent school girls.

Methods

Between June 2, 2023 and August 15, 2023, a study was conducted in Debre Berhan City. All adolescent girls between the ages of 14 and 18 who attended school in the chosen kebeles were eligible for participation in the current study. Schools were selected using a simple random sampling method. Epidata 4.2.0 was utilized for data entry and SPSS 25 for the analysis. There were three types of logistic regression used: multivariate, univariate, and descriptive statistics. At 95% CI, a p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results

We had 601 respondents. The majority of the respondents were in the age range of 16-17 years (51.3%). More than one-fourth of participants started sexual activity, (29.5%) and only (22.1%) participants had information about the HPV vaccine. The majority (83%) of participants had poor knowledge about the HPV vaccine. More than half of the participants (57.4%) had no information about CC and only (26.8%) study participants had information about CC. Only (14.5%) of participants knew the cause of CC was HPV. Below one-fourth of (23.4%) participants knew the HPV vaccine used to prevent HPV infection. More than half (54.2%) of the participants had a negative attitude towards the HPV vaccine. Participants who were not informed about the HPV vaccine before the current study were approximately 65% less likely to be aware of the HPV vaccine compared to those who had prior knowledge of it (AOR = 0.65; 95%CI = 0.42,0.92; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Adolescent girls had negative attitudes and poor knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Adolescent girls should be educated about CC and HPV infection to improve their knowledge and attitude about the HPV vaccine using health professionals and mass media.

Challenges and strategies for sustainable and resilient immunization systems in sub-Saharan Africa: A comprehensive scoping review

BACKGROUND

Immunization is pivotal for health-related sustainable development, necessitating resilient and sustainable immunization systems. This scoping review explores challenges and strategies for sustained vaccine uptake in the new Decade of Vaccines (2021-2030) within sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing routine and non-routine vaccines.

METHODS

The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology to examine English-language articles published from January 01, 2021, to May 29, 2023. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. An extended search and analysis were conducted on PubMed from May 30, 2023, to April 27, 2024, to provide an overview of information not covered within the original search period. Two independent reviewers screened articles by title and abstract, followed by a full-text review. Thematic analysis was applied to extracted data, with results presented in tabular and schematic formats.

RESULTS

African immunization systems face numerous challenges, including high hesitancy for new and non-routine vaccines, inadequate program coordination and vaccine infrastructure, persisting social disparities in vaccine access and uptake, under-vaccination with multiple dose, adolescent and adult vaccines, and inadequate resilience against large scale disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies addressing these challenges include education and awareness-based campaigns, mobile phone-based appointment reminders, financial incentives to service providers and vaccinees, as well as supportive supervision and performance monitoring programs for service providers. Geospatial, logistics, and systems models have been used as decision support to inform immunization strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The review highlights challenges impeding vaccine access and uptake, casting concerns on the sustainability and resilience of immunization programs in sub-Saharan Africa. While improvement strategies have been employed, very few were based on human-centered design approaches for decision support. Employing systems thinking is recommended to reveal dynamic mechanisms and to design strategies for the long-term viability of immunization efforts.

Knowledge, attitude, and reasons for non-uptake of human papilloma virus vaccination among nursing students

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is a significant health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, where it ranks fourth among women. The Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, a vital preventive measure, has suboptimal uptake among nursing students. We aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, willingness, and reasons for non-uptake of HPV vaccination among nursing students.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023, using a total enumeration method. Data were collected from 313 nursing students using a validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and reasons for non-uptake of HPV vaccination. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and willingness for HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

The mean age of the students was 20.98 ± 2.38 years, with the majority being females (81.2%) and unmarried (93.0%). About half of the participants demonstrated moderate knowledge (52.4%) and negative attitudes (50.1%) towards HPV vaccination, with none having received the vaccine. Female students had 4.24 times the odds of having good knowledge (AOR = 4.24, 95% CI = 1.66-10.80), while those pursuing a bachelor's degree exhibited 2.70 times the odds of good knowledge (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.40-5.21). In contrast, first-year students had 0.30 times the odds of having good knowledge (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.11-0.79) but displayed 4.69 times the odds of having a positive attitude (AOR = 4.69, 95% CI = 1.92-11.41). Additionally, Hindu students had 2.44 times the odds of being willing to receive the vaccine (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.15-5.20). Most participants expressed willingness to receive the vaccine (62.0%), citing reasons such as not being sexually active (35.8%) and needing more information (18.2%) for non-uptake of the vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights gaps in knowledge and negative attitudes towards HPV vaccination among nursing students. Targeted educational interventions and policy initiatives are essential to improve awareness, promote positive attitudes, and increase HPV vaccination uptake among nursing students.

Willingness of caregivers to have their daughters vaccinated against human papilloma virus and associated factors in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Introduction

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread sexually transmitted infection and a leading cause of cervical cancer. Although there is a significant HPV prevalence in Ethiopia, yet the uptake of the HPV vaccine remains low. This study aimed to assess the level of caregivers' willingness to vaccinate their daughters against the human papilloma virus and associated factors in Jimma town.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1-30, 2023. A total of 471 study participants were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were done to identify associated factors, and the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were computed. A value p of <0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.

Results

About 82.4% (95% CI: 79.0-86.0) of caregivers indicated a willingness to have their daughters vaccinated. Having college education or above (AOR:3.31, 95%CI:1.02-10.8), good knowledge of the HPV vaccine (AOR:2.25, 95%CI:1.05-4.85), good knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (AOR:2.04, 95%CI: 1.09-3.82), good knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR:2.50, 95%CI:1.31-4.77) and a positive attitude towards the vaccine (AOR:4.03, 95%CI: 2.26-7.22), were associated with willingness.

Discussion

The majority of caregivers were willing to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Caregivers who had higher education, good knowledge about the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer, and STIs, as well as positive attitudes towards the vaccine, were more likely to be willing to vaccinate. Efforts should be made to educate caregivers about the vaccine, cervical cancer, and STIs while promoting positive attitudes.

Global parental acceptance, attitudes, and knowledge regarding human papillomavirus vaccinations for their children: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic literature review aims to summarize global research on parental acceptance, attitudes, and knowledge regarding human papillomavirus vaccinations.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, and included publications from 2006 to 2023. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines were used to assess the strength of evidence for the primary outcome. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to estimate pooled parental acceptance of HPV vaccinations. Studies were stratified by study years, and a subgroup analysis was conducted to estimate vaccine acceptance rates by world regions. Additionally, sensitivity analyses examined the role of parents in accepting HPV vaccinations for children of different sexes.

RESULTS

Based on 86 studies, we found that parents generally supported HPV vaccinations for their children, yet HPV vaccine acceptance rates showed high variation (12.0 to 97.5%). The subgroup analysis revealed geographical variations in pooled parental HPV vaccine acceptance rates, with the highest rate observed in Africa (79.6%; 95% CI: 73.5-85.2; I² = 98.3%; p < 0.01) and the lowest in North America (56.7%; 95% CI: 49.3-64.0; I² = 99.4%; p < 0.01). Sensitivity analyses showed that acceptance was higher for daughters than for sons, with mothers more willing to get their daughters vaccinated. The proportion of parents reporting barriers or benefits regarding HPV vaccinations varied widely (0.3-95.8%) between study regions. Across all world regions, fear of adverse effects and concerns about vaccine safety were the main barriers, whereas the desire to protect their children from cancer was a significant predictor of vaccine acceptance. Knowledge levels varied widely (6.5 to 100%) between world regions and according to the questions asked. In most studies, knowledge e.g., that HPV is sexually transmitted, and that HPV vaccination provides protection against cervical cancer, ranged from moderate to high.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated moderate parental acceptance of HPV vaccines. Public knowledge of HPV infection should be promoted, and special efforts should be made to minimize the existing barriers and increase vaccination accessibility and uptake.

Less known but greatly feared: Cervical cancer in Ethiopia community awareness

To improve a community's awareness and attitude towards cervical cancer, strong evidence is needed to inform contextually appropriate policies. This study aims to explore community awareness about cervical cancer from the perspective of women, men and health extension workers (HEWs). The research was conducted from May to July 2021 in Jimma, Ethiopia. A total of 23 in-depth interviews were conducted. The study included married and unmarried women (15-19 and 25-29 years old), men of similar ages (married and unmarried), and HEWs. Furthermore, eight separate focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with both men and women. Thematic analysis was used to draw findings from the interviews and FGDs. Community awareness about cervical cancer was very limited. However, people who knew of it believed that cancer is fatal. A few participants were aware of cervical cancer through its symptoms, but most people did not know it by name and had never heard about HPV as the cause of cervical cancer. There was little understanding of HPV risk, transmission factors, prevention, vaccination, screening, or treatment. Participants considered their participation in this study as their first chance to learn about the disease. HEWs had limited knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer. Study participants demonstrated favorable attitudes towards HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and treatment after they received basic information about cervical cancer from the data collectors. Participants and HEWs strongly suggested awareness creation programs for the wider community members, including active involvement of men and HEWs in cervical cancer interventions. There is a critical information gap regarding cervical cancer, its cause and risk factors, HPV transmission, cervical screening, and treatment programs. Limited community awareness leads to poor uptake of cervical screening in the few settings where it is available. Therefore, community awareness programs about HPV, cervical cancer, and available services should improve the community's awareness of cervical cancer and HPV.

Assessment of knowledge and perceptions of human papillomavirus vaccine and its determinants among women who have eligible daughters in Debre Berhan City, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Globally, cervical cancer(CC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of CC. Persistent infection with HPV accounts for 90% of all CC cases. The human papillomavirus vaccine has the great potential to prevent HPV-related infections for millions of women and men. The current study aimed to assess knowledge and perceptions towards the HPV vaccine and its determinants among women who have eligible daughters in Debre Berhan City, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2, 2023, to May 15, 2023. A multistage sampling procedure was used to recruit 607 women participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic data. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to measure the associations between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

More than three-fourths of the participants, 479 individuals (80%) were currently married, and 243(40.1%) had a diploma or higher education level. Of 456(75.12) participants reported, they had information about cervical cancer. For 449(73.9%) of the participants, television was the main evidence. The majority of 352(59.99%) participants knew the HPV vaccine could be offered to a female child aged 9-14 years old. Only 215(35.4%) participants think the HPV vaccine was safe and effective. Women who had a degree and above educational level were about 9 times more likely to have good knowledge about the HPV vaccine than study participants who did not read and write (AOR=9.21; 95% CI=2.82-12.16; p=0.004). Women who did not have information about the HPV vaccine before this study were about 80% less likely to have a positive perception of the HPV vaccine than participants who had earlier information about the HPV vaccine (AOR=0.8; 95%CI=0.63-0.49; P=003).

Conclusion

Women had poor knowledge and perceptions about the HPV vaccine. Maternal marital status, age, and having information about the HPV vaccine were the only predictors of women's knowledge of the HPV vaccine.

Willingness to accept human papilloma virus vaccination and its associated factors among parents with eligible daughters in Addis Zemen town, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Evidences show that, routine immunization of girls at age 14 year and immunization of girls at age 9 year through a 5 years extended interval between doses are the most efficient to control the disease. Despite this, there is very little information on parents' willingness to accept the human papilloma virus vaccine. Therefore, assessing willingness to accept human papilloma virus vaccination and its associated factors among parents with eligible daughter will help to designing, implementing and monitoring effectiveness of HPV vaccine immunization program.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 386 parents with eligible daughters from 8July-6August, 2022. The multistage sampling technique was used. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Responses were coded and entered into the computer using EPI data version 4.606 statistical packages, and SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Frequencies, percentages and means were as to describe the study variables in relation to the participants. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed. The statistical significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05 with its respected odds ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 386 study participants were included in the study. Among participants, 80.3% (95% CI: 76.3, 84) were willing to vaccinate their daughters for HPV vaccination. The parents' willingness was affected by the male parents ([AOR = 3.5; 95% CI (1.673-7.371)], fear of side effects [AOR = 0.385; 95% CI (0.206-0.718)], and with poor awareness on the HPV vaccine [AOR = 0.483; 95% CI (0.259- 0.900)].

CONCLUSION

The study has shown that willingness to accept the HPV vaccine is about 80% and significantly affected with parental sex, information on the HPV vaccine, and fear of side effects. As such, it may be helpful for the health care providers and the health care policy makers to emphasize on providing easily understandable information using mass media and social campaign. In addition giving trainings more targeted to female parents might be important.

Willingness to vaccinate their daughters against human papillomavirus among parents of Ethiopian adolescent girls: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

HPV vaccination of adolescent girls is the primary strategy for cervical cancer prevention but in Ethiopia, it lacks emphasis. Despite different studies done and found a highly variable level of parents' willingness to vaccinate their daughter for HPV; however, there was no summarized evidence of parents' willingness as a nation. Thus this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of parents' willingness to HPV vaccination of their daughters and associated factors in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature was searched in international databases. A weighted inverse variance random effect model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics were computed to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Eggers test were done to assess publication bias. Review manager software was used to identify determinants of parents' willingness.

RESULTS

Overall, 172 articles were retrieved and finally 7 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of parents' willingness to HPV vaccination of their daughters was 71.82% (95% CI 57.73-85.91%). Knowledge about HPV vaccination (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI (2.10-3.73)), attitude (AOR = 4.93, 95% CI (3.48-6.99)), educational status (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.54-3.10) and income (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI 1.96-5.02)) were significantly associated with parents' willingness.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents' willingness to HPV vaccination of their daughters in Ethiopia was low. Knowledge, attitude, educational status, and income were positively associated with parents' willingness. Therefore, policymakers and program planners should target those important stakeholders (parents) in increasing their awareness and changing their attitude to enhance their vaccine acceptance specifically focusing on those who are lower in economic and educational status so as to prevent the lethal cervical cancer.

Uptake of human papillomavirus vaccination and its associated factors among adolescents in Gambella town, Southwest, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and its associated factors among adolescents in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A community-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 882 adolescents were included between May and July 2022.

OUTCOME

Uptake of HPV vaccination.

METHODS

A cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants. An interviewer-administered and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collected data were entered into Epi-data V.4.6 and exported to STATA V.16 for cleaning, coding and analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to test the association between independent and dependent variables. Variables with a p<0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were considered statistically significant factors for the uptake of HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

A total of 825 adolescents participated in this study. Among participants, 48% (95% CI 44.6% to 51.4%) have been vaccinated for HPV. Ever heard of the HPV vaccine (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.23 to 5.08), good knowledge of HPV infection (AOR 3.62, 95% CI 2.17 to 6.02), good knowledge of the HPV vaccine (AOR 5.54, 95% CI 3.28 to 9.36) and attitude towards the HPV vaccine (AOR 2.74, 95% CI 1.88 to 3.98) were significantly associated HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSION

In the current study, the uptake of HPV vaccination was found to be low. The finding highlights the importance of promoting community health education about HPV infection and vaccines and providing behaviour change education, which plays a substantial role in promoting the uptake of HPV vaccination.

Knowledge, attitude, and uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine among adolescent schoolgirls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is an international public health issue. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus. The HPV vaccine prevents more than 75% of cervical cancer. The extent to which adolescent girls' knowledge and uptake of the HPV vaccine have to be investigated in order to build effective promotion strategies and increase the uptake of the vaccine. The evidence that is currently available in this area is controversial and inconclusive. Hence, this study has estimated the pooled proportion of good knowledge, positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine and its associated factors among adolescent schoolgirls in Ethiopia.

METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, AJOL, ScienceDirect, and DOAJ were used to search relevant studies. A total of 10 studies were included. The data were extracted by two reviewers using Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA Version 17 for analysis. A random effects model was applied during the analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias across the studies were evaluated using I² statistics and Egger's test, respectively. The PROSPERO registration number for the review is CRD42023414030.

RESULT

A total of eight studies comprising 3936 study participants for knowledge and attitude and five studies with 2,481 study participants for uptake of HPV were used to estimate the pooled proportions of good knowledge, a positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine, respectively. The pooled proportions of good knowledge, positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine were 55.12%, 45.34%, and 42.05%, respectively. Being an urban resident (OR = 4.17, 95% CI = 1.81, 9.58), having good knowledge (OR = 6.70, 95% CI = 3.43, 13.07), and a positive attitude (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.51, 2.74), were significantly associated with the uptake of the vaccine.

CONCLUSION

The pooled proportions of good knowledge, a positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine were low in Ethiopia. Being an urban resident and having good knowledge and a positive attitude towards the HPV vaccine were significantly associated with the uptake of the HPV vaccine. We recommend increasing adolescent knowledge, positive attitudes, and uptake of HPV vaccination through school-based seminars, health education, and community mobilization.

Awareness of HPV and HPV vaccines, acceptance to vaccination and its influence factors among parents of adolescents 9 to 18 years of age in China: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Vaccination uptake rates for adolescents are still low in China despite safe and effective human papillomavirus vaccines being available. The awareness and attitudes of parents to HPV vaccines play a decisive role in adolescents' HPV vaccination uptake.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March, 2022 to May, 2022 using an anonymous questionnaire among parents of 9 to 18 years of age from 73 cities in 23 provinces in mainland China. Demographic characteristics of parents, their knowledge and attitudes about HPV and HPV vaccination, as well as factors influencing HPV vaccination in adolescents were assessed.

RESULTS

More than two-thirds of parents heard of HPV (75.5%) and HPV vaccines (84.7%). Of these participants, mothers (83.8%) were in the majority. Parents willing to vaccinate themselves and their children against HPV were 84.9% and 87.6%, respectively. Parents were more likely to vaccinate their daughters against HPV than their sons (P < 0.001). Parents who had heard of the HPV vaccines (P = 0.028) or had vaccinated themselves (P < 0.001) were more likely to have HPV vaccination for their children. Parents who accepted the price of the HPV vaccines (P = 0.005) were more likely to have their children vaccinated against HPV.

CONCLUSIONS

Children's gender, awareness of the HPV vaccines, parental HPV vaccination, and the price of the HPV vaccines are likely to be the reason for parents' vaccine hesitancy for adolescents.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses have a critical role in identifying parental hesitancy and providing individualized education to expand the parental awareness and knowledge and encourage on-time adolescents vaccination.

Knowledge, attitudes and acceptance toward Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: Perspectives of Muslim women and men

OBJECTIVES

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading risk factor for the development of anogenital cancers. Most Arab countries lack both HPV education and national HPV vaccination programs. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance toward HPV vaccination in men and women from Oman, a country in the Middle Eastern North Africa region.

METHODS

This cross-sectional quantitative study used convenience sampling to recruit male and female participants, aged 18 years and above from all 11 governorates of Oman to complete a validated self-administered questionnaire online in the Arabic language. The questionnaire comprised five sections, with a total of 32 questions. The questionnaire, including Arabic and English versions, was content validated and piloted.

RESULTS

A total of 1403 participants, including 952 parents and 369 healthcare providers, completed the survey. The results showed a lack of knowledge regarding HPV infection and vaccines, including among healthcare providers. Less than a quarter of the participants had heard of HPV infection, with digital sources of information being the most common. Factors such as being a woman or a healthcare provider or completing higher levels of education were independently and significantly positively association with HPV awareness (p < 0.001). The majority of the participants lacked vaccine safety knowledge, had concerns about the vaccine's side effects, and sought reassurance of its protection against HPV infection (62%, 71.5%, and 84.6%, respectively). Nevertheless, nearly two-thirds of the participants agreed to take the HPV vaccine, with support for both boys and girls being vaccinated. There was almost universal agreement among the participants regarding the need for parental and adolescent HPV educational programs.

CONCLUSION

Omani women and men showed a high level of acceptance and favorable attitude toward HPV vaccination. The study findings support future efforts to implement school and public-level HPV education and a national HPV vaccination program in Oman.

Public School Adolescents Had Increased Odds of Being Willing to Uptake HPV Vaccinations Owing to Sociodemographic and Healthcare Access Features in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent and fatal malignancies in women worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is an effective method in reducing cervical cancer, its uptake varies between public and private school adolescents and remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Empirical evidence on how much variation there is among public and private school adolescent in their willingness to uptake human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is also limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare levels of willingness to uptake HPV vaccination among public and private school female adolescents and associated factors in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 844 adolescents aged 10 to 19 in primary schools in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling was used. A self-administered, structured, and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. The determinants of willingness to accept HPV vaccination were identified using logistic regression, and exploratory factor analyses were performed to determine load and mean. The level of statistical significance was determined using a P - value of 0.05.

Results

The overall proportion of willing to uptake HPV vaccination was 50.6% (95% CI: 47.4-54), whereas in public and private primary schools, the magnitude was 61% (95% CI: 56.3-65.4%) and 40.2% (95% CI: 35.6-44.9), respectively. In terms of willingness to uptake HPV vaccination, the odds were likely to be significantly higher among those whose mothers had a postsecondary education (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.29-3.05), a high cue to action (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.20-3.05), and high self-efficacy (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.58-3.48). High perceived barriers likely decreased the willingness to uptake HPV vaccination (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34-0.70).

Conclusion

Adolescent girls in public primary schools were more likely to uptake HPV vaccination than those in private provided that income status and socioeconomic factors became less important. Willingness to uptake HPV vaccination was found to be low as compared to the WHO target for Ethiopian context and was influenced by maternal education status, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. As a result, greater emphasis should be placed on implementing a school-based and maternal educational program on cervical cancer prevention and control focusing on the behavioral contexts.

Knowledge, attitude, and uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine and associated factors among female preparatory school students in Bahir Dar City, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

The human papillomavirus vaccine is one of the main preventative measures for cervical cancer. However, global vaccine uptake is low; the problem is particularly acute in low and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study is to assess female preparatory school students' knowledge, attitude, and uptake of the human papillomavirus vaccine and associated factors in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 633 female preparatory school students in Bahir Dar city from March 1-30, 2021. Participants were selected using the multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and entered into Epi-data and exported to SPSS for analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Finally-value < 0.05 was considered significant in multivariable analysis.

RESULT

The proportion of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake, knowledge of the vaccine, and respondents' attitudes toward the vaccine were 45.3% (95% CI = 41.6-49.4%), 58.1% (95% CI = 54.4-61.9%), and 16% (95% CI = 13.2-19.5%), respectively. Having a history of sexual contact AOR = 2.80 (95% CI = 1.64-4.76), hearing about HPV infection AOR = 1.59 (95% CI = 1.13-2.24), and having a positive attitude toward HPV vaccine AOR = 1.46 (95% CI = 1.03-2.08) were significantly associated with knowledge about the HPV vaccine. Discussion of reproductive health issues with family AOR = 2.558 (95%CI = 1.800-3.636), and having good knowledge about HPV vaccine AOR = 3.571(95%CI = 2.494-5.113) were associated with a positive attitude toward the HPV vaccine. Good knowledge AOR = 2.36(95%CI = 1.48-3.76) and a positive attitude toward HPV vaccine AOR = 2.87(95%CI = 1.70-4.85) were strongly associated with HPV vaccine utilization.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there was a very low uptake of HPV vaccination among female students, and only a small proportion of them had good knowledge of the HPV vaccine and a favorable attitude toward the HPV vaccine.