“She must have been sleeping around”…: Contextual interpretations of cervical cancer and views regarding HPV vaccination for adolescents in selected communities in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundHuman Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines for adolescents are pivotal in the control of cervical cancer, the commonest women specific malignancy in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge about cervical cancer have been reported to be low in Africa but expressed acceptability for HPV vaccines have been high. The reason for this mismatch is not clear. An understanding of the interpretation of cervical cancer and views about HPV vaccine are important as they can affect actual decision making regarding adolescents’ uptake of HPV vaccine. This study explored contextual interpretations of stakeholders regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccines for adolescents in five selected communities in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsQualitative data were collected through twenty focus group discussions among parents of adolescents, religious and traditional leaders, school teachers and adolescents; and four key informant interviews with the identified traditional healers in the selected communities. Constant comparison analysis was done after transcription.ResultsAlmost every group had at least one person who had seen a cervical cancer patient. Cervical cancer was widely viewed as being caused by promiscuity of women while older participants believed that the alteration of lifestyle by civilization was a major contributory factor. There was also a general notion that it was due to a curse. The role of HPV was generally not known. Most participants were favourable towards HPV immunization for adolescents but traditional healers and some religious leaders were not. The high cost of the vaccines and possibility of side effects where the main concerns about the introduction of HPV vaccine. Decision to take the vaccine rest with the fathers whose views were heavily influenced by traditional and religious leaders.ConclusionsAwareness about cervical cancer may not be as low as earlier reported and there were many misconceptions about cervical cancer in the study communities. It is important to address these misconceptions to ensure successful introduction of HPV vaccine for adolescents in future.

Modeling for Predictors of Knowledge Score on Etiology and Prevention Strategies for Cervical Cancer Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ibadan

“… 29 For example, most women in a qualitative study that was conducted in a community in Lagos, Nigeria, believed that cervical cancer is a direct effect of promiscuity. 30 However, these participants did not provide further information on the relationship between unprotected sex, sexually transmitted infection, and HPV infection and the risk of cervical cancer. 30 …”

“… 30 However, these participants did not provide further information on the relationship between unprotected sex, sexually transmitted infection, and HPV infection and the risk of cervical cancer. 30 …”

The odds that working women will accept cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination

“…Although statistical significant difference is not observed, it can be inferred that a higher proportion seems to have problem with cervical screening, and it has been reported that knowledge about (and by implication, acceptance of) cervical cancer in Africa is lower than acceptability of HPV vaccines. 16 It has also been suggested that statements of evidence supporting effectiveness of cervical services could improve perceptions, especially as beliefs threaten existing programs; hence the need for context-specific evidence-based strategies advocated. [16][17][18] What this report contributes is an empirical data from Delta State, Nigeria.…”

“…16 It has also been suggested that statements of evidence supporting effectiveness of cervical services could improve perceptions, especially as beliefs threaten existing programs; hence the need for context-specific evidence-based strategies advocated. [16][17][18] What this report contributes is an empirical data from Delta State, Nigeria. The implication is in the need to advance the knowledge of cervical screening procedure.…”

Factors influencing the acceptance of HPV vaccine among civil servants in Delta State Secretariat

“…4,5 This underscores the relevance of ensuring HPV vaccination of young women in Nigerian communities. 6 The acceptability of the vaccines is defined as the willingness of an individual to be vaccinated. This is a factor that contributes to its uptake.…”