Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Concerning HPV Infection, Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination among Healthcare Providers in Plateau State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Healthcare providers (HCPs) play a significant role in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine delivery, particularly regarding knowledge, confidence, and counselling quality, which affect caregiver acceptance and uptake during the routine immunization programme. Nigeria included HPV vaccination in its national immunization schedule in 2023, but still lacks awareness and readiness to deliver HPV vaccination services, especially in Plateau State. This paper investigates knowledge, attitude and practice concerning HPV infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccination among Healthcare providers in Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 152 healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities in Mangu, Riyom, and Qua'anpan who were present and on duty during the study, using a structured questionnaire to obtain information on HPV knowledge, attitudes, practices, training, and campaign engagement. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, odds ratios (ORs), and multivariate logistic regression, based on data collected from healthcare providers. Results: About 19.7% knew HPV, with a favourable attitude of 79.6% and HPV-related practices of 84.2% of health providers. 88.2% had been trained and had previously been involved in HPV vaccination. The demographic characteristics were not significant at the 0.05 level in association with knowledge or attitude; practice was associated with age, sex, training, and campaign involvement regarding HPV. Campaign involvement independently predicted good practice/readiness among participants in multivariable analysis (AOR=13.44; 95% CI: 3.08-58.62; p<0.001).