Knowledge, Perceptions and Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination among Female Healthcare Professionals in a State in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem and a leading cause of cancer related death among women in developing countries. The Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is a major preventative measure for Cervical cancer; however global vaccine uptake is low in low and middle-income countries like ours. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge, attitude, and uptake of HPV vaccination among healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Study Design: This was a cross – sectional study. Place & Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Bayelsa state Nigeria. between January 2024 and March 2024. Methods: Study was done using self-administered semi-structured questionnaires on 178 consenting female health care professionals. Data was represented using simple percentages and tables. The questions were made to capture the objectives of the study. Results: Majority (85.5%) of the respondents were aware of the HPV vaccine. Uptake of the vaccine was poor (5.1%). Lack of information on where to get the vaccine (34.7%) was the most identified barrier to uptake. Majority of the respondents are willing to accept 92.0%) and recommend the vaccine (90.0%). About 98.3% and 96% of the respondents would recommend the HPV vaccine to be taught about in schools for teenagers and adolescents as well as included in the Nigerian National Immunization Schedule. Conclusions: Female healthcare professionals, who are vital in influencing public health behaviors, themselves demonstrate poor vaccination uptake despite high knowledge and acceptance of the HPV vaccine. This can potentially undermine public health intervention drive towards elimination.