Knowledge, Perceptions, Vaccine Uptake, and Reported Barriers to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Among Caregivers and Adolescent Girls in the Southern Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, where cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women. Vaccination is a proven preventive strategy, yet uptake remains suboptimal. This study examined the knowledge, perceptions, vaccine uptake, and reported barriers to HPV vaccination among caregivers and adolescent girls in the Southern Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 respondents (250 caregivers and 250 adolescent girls) selected through multi-stage random sampling. A structured, validated questionnaire was administered. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, and chi-square tests were used for hypothesis testing at the 95% confidence level. Results: Knowledge of HPV was low: 44.0% of caregivers and 26.0% of adolescent girls had heard of HPV, and only 25.2% of caregivers and 8.0% of adolescent girls demonstrated high knowledge. Among those aware of HPV, 22.7% of caregivers and 35.4% of adolescent girls had received the vaccine. No statistically significant associations were found between knowledge, perception, or demographic variables and vaccine uptake (all p > 0.05). Key barriers among caregivers included high cost (58.2%), unavailability (66.4%), safety concerns (35.5%), and need for more information (80.9%), which applied multiple responses. Conclusion: Knowledge of HPV and its vaccine is broadly poor among both caregivers and adolescent girls in the study area, and vaccine uptake remains low despite generally positive perceptions where awareness existed. Integration of the HPV vaccine into the national immunization programme, community sensitization, and improved healthcare provider communication are urgently recommended.