Prevalence and Vaccination Patterns of Human Papillomavirus among Female Medical Sciences Students in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer, primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), continues to pose a substantial global health challenge. The disease burden is disproportionately elevated in sub-Saharan Africa, where inadequate access to preventive interventions results in heightened morbidity and mortality among women. Examining HPV vaccination practices among young women, particularly those training for healthcare professions, is critical for informing targeted prevention strategies. This investigation sought to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among female medical sciences students at a Nigerian tertiary institution. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out involving 214 female students from the College of Medical Sciences at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A multistage sampling approach was used to select participants. Information was gathered using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic attributes, awareness and understanding of HPV and its vaccine, and vaccination status. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize vaccination patterns, while bivariate analyses (Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests) examined relationships between variables. Independent predictors of vaccine initiation were identified through binary logistic regression. Results: Participants had a mean age of 20.8 ± 2.8 years. The overall prevalence of HPV vaccination stood at 5.5%. Among those who had received the vaccine (n = 45), 45.7% completed the three-dose series, 31.1% received a single dose, and 20.0% received two doses. The majority (84.4%) commenced vaccination during the catch-up window (15–26 years), whereas only 13.3% received their first dose within the optimally recommended age range (9–14 years). Vaccination primarily occurred at campus-based health facilities (44.4%) and primary health centers (26.7%). Factors significantly associated with vaccine uptake included being aged 21–25 years, being in advanced academic years, reporting prior sexual activity, and possessing thorough knowledge of the HPV vaccine (p < 0.05). Frequently cited obstacles among unvaccinated individuals included prohibitive costs, insufficient awareness, and unfamiliarity with vaccination sites. Conclusion: HPV vaccination coverage among female medical sciences students remains suboptimal, characterized by delayed initiation and failure to complete the recommended vaccination schedule. Despite their enrollment in health-oriented academic programs, students encounter considerable knowledge deficits, financial constraints, and accessibility challenges that impede vaccination. Implementing school-based vaccination initiatives, enhancing educational outreach, and reducing financial barriers could significantly improve vaccine uptake within this key demographic.