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

Abstract

The rising cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer cases in Nigeria are alarming. Only a few studies have looked at secondary school students in Nigeria’s understanding of HPV infection and vaccine acceptance, whereas earlier studies have mostly focused on screening. In this study, 400 students from two secondary schools in Kano State, Nigeria, were engaged with the aim of assessing their level of knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infection. The study further seeks to understand the respondent’s opinion on HPV vaccination and sensitize them to the health effects of HPV infection, thereby communicating the findings to the authorities concerned with policy making. The study revealed that only 128 (32%) and 142 (35.5%) respondents have knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, respectively. Furthermore, none of the respondents were administered the HPV vaccine, with 81% of them not ready to take the vaccine. It was observed that the majority of the respondents (91%) believed that early hospital visits could help in mitigating HPV or cervical cancer cases. Following their sensitization, the respondents were observed to have different levels of satisfaction, ranging from very satisfied and satisfied to not satisfied. Effective awareness creation amongst students as well as parents is therefore essential in HPV vaccination projects, as well as in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria.

Assessment of Awareness and Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Transmission and Prevention Among Tertiary Institution Students in the Plateau Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

“…The low awareness/knowledge of HPV in this study are similar to the findings from a study by Makwe et al conducted in Lagos and a study in Kano, where it was found that only 17.7% and 3.7% of female participants, respectively, had good awareness and knowledge of HPV [18,19].…”

“…The low awareness/knowledge of HPV in this study are similar to the findings from a study by Makwe et al conducted in Lagos and a study in Kano, where it was found that only 17.7% and 3.7% of female participants, respectively, had good awareness and knowledge of HPV [18, 19]. Given that every student had finished secondary school education, the similarity of our study’s findings to those of Makwe et al was unexpected.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Women of Reproductive Age on Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer and Vaccination in Otukpo, Nigeria

“…Despite the impending danger this could result into, the efforts being made by the Nigerian government to incorporate HPV vaccine into the national basic immunization programme remain rather slow ( 3 ). However, several African countries have started having access to HPV vaccine through the assistance of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and Nigeria is currently in the pre-introduction era of the vaccine uptake among adolescent females ( 15 , 16 ).…”

“…Nevertheless, the understanding of the implications of HPV infection and responses towards public acceptability of the vaccine have been low as several individuals demonstrated hesitation on getting administered even when free ( 13 , 16 ). Vaccine safety is a major concern expressed by the individuals who were reluctant to accept the vaccination of especially in teenage females ( 17 ).…”

Editorial: Highlights in quality of life 2021/22

“…Little or no encouragement from the health providers results in low interest in preventive examinations. The situation might be improved by involving traditional and religious leaders, as well as the local media, to raise greater awareness among the population and to address public mistrust and concerns about HPV vaccination (8).…”