Awareness and attitude towards human papillomavirus vaccination among mothers in selected health institutions in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, the Human Papillomavirus vaccine is the main preventive tool for HPV-related cancers. Despite the numerous advantages of the HPV vaccine, low utilisation has been reported due to a lack of awareness and a poor attitude towards the vaccine. This study assessed mothers' awareness and attitudes towards human papillomavirus vaccination at selected health institutions in Edo State.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 305 mothers of childbearing age, purposively selected from those attending the immunisation clinic at selected hospitals in Benin City, Edo State. Data was collected by trained research assistants using an interviewer-administered questionnaire that was validated and pretested in another facility. Questions on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and attitude towards HPV infection and vaccines were asked. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Univariate analysis was used to describe the data. And the results were presented in tables and pie charts. Ethical permission was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Results: Most respondents (59.6%) had low awareness of HPV infection and vaccination, while 27.5% had high awareness. One quarter of the respondents had a negative attitude, while 74.8% had a positive attitude towards HPV infection and vaccination. There was a statistically significant association between age at first sexual debut and awareness level (χ² ≈ 10.485, p < 0.033).

Conclusion: Most respondents had poor awareness and a positive attitude towards HPV infection and vaccination in this study. There is a need for campaigns to raise awareness of HPV infection among mothers.