Knowledge and attitude about human papillomavirus vaccine among female high school students at Jimma town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the primary causative agent of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination against human papillomavirus is more effective against cervical cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes toward the human papillomavirus vaccines among female high-school students. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among female high-school students in Jimma town, Ethiopia. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Self-administered interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered using Epi-data version 3.5, exported and analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21. The Chi-squared (χ2) test was performed to determine the statistical significance between the outcome variable and independent variables. Results A total of 366 students participated in this study with a response rate of 94.8%. Only half (52.7%) and nearly one-third (31.4%) of the respondents had good knowledge and positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, respectively. The predictors that included parents’ educational status (χ2 = 1.479, P = .003), students participating in school mini-media (χ2 = 1.519, P = .036), students who had a smartphone (χ2 = 2.118, P = .008), availability of radio or television (TV) at home (χ2 = 2.163, P = .049), and students who received information from social-media (χ2 = 2.15, P = .025) were significantly associated with knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Conclusion Overall knowledge and attitude toward HPV vaccination were low. All concerned bodies should work jointly to enhance the knowledge and attitudes of female students toward Human Papilloma Virus vaccination.

Public School Adolescents Had Increased Odds of Being Willing to Uptake HPV Vaccinations Owing to Sociodemographic and Healthcare Access Features in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

“…However, in many resource-constrained countries, lack of access to healthcare education among females is an impediment that makes it more difficult to promote adolescent health, particularly in increasing willingness to uptake HPV vaccine. The study also discovered that maternal education was a predictor of willingness to uptake HPV vaccination as clearly identified in the multivariable regression modeling, similar to previous studies [ 22 – 24 , 29 , 30 ]. As a result, increasing formal education is beneficial for changing behavior to prevent and control cervical cancer, especially among the parents of the target population that is school adolescents.…”

“…Accordingly, perceived barriers were a predictor of behavioral changes. As a result, before the nationwide [22,29,30]. Every country must take steps to understand the extent and nature of hesitancy at the community level on an ongoing basis and as a result, should develop a strategy to increase acceptance and demand for vaccination [28].…”

Knowledge and Attitude towards Human Papilloma Virus Infection, Vaccines, and Cervical Cancer Prevention among School Students in Kano, Nigeria

“…A lifetime exposure to at least one HPV type occurs in more than 50% of sexually active females. Women of all ages can contract HPV, but those between the ages of 20 and 24 have the highest incidence of infection [ 1 , 2 ]. Almost all sexually active men and women will obtain at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives.…”

“…Given that HPV is the greatest prevalent STD, it is critical that all women are informed about the advantages of vaccination and the hazards associated with not receiving it. Inadequate instruction and understanding regarding the dangers of HPV and the consequences of not getting immunized could result in permanent health difficulties from HPV [ 1 , 8 ].…”

“…In Nigeria's understanding of HPV infections, including vaccine acceptability, only a few studies have looked at secondary school students, whereas earlier research has mostly focused on screening. However, one of the most crucial steps for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer is increasing knowledge and persuading individuals to have a favorable attitude toward the HPV vaccination [ 1 ]. This study aims to access the knowledge and attitude toward HPV infection, their vaccines, and cervical cancer prevention among secondary school students in Kano, Nigeria.…”