Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Nigerian parents towards human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a renowned cause of cervical cancer, which has resulted in high mortality of individuals. Cervical cancer could be reduced by screening and HPV vaccination. This study investigated knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of parents towards HPV vaccines in Ibadan, South-West L.G.A, Oyo State, Nigeria. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive design was used with a multi-stage sampling technique to select 186 parents from Ibadan South-West local government area of Oyo state. A validated structured questionnaire (r=0.78) was used for data collection. RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 30.2 years. The parents had good knowledge of the HPV vaccine (mean=3.12) and most had a high level of knowledge (98.9%). Parents demonstrated negative attitude (mean=2.97) and positive perception to HPV vaccines. Major factors affecting their attitude towards the uptake of HPV vaccines were: finance (86%), level of education (81%), distance to health facilities (83%), inadequate knowledge about the vaccine (89%), fear of promiscuity (82%), and concern about adverse effect (80%). CONCLUSIONS Factors responsible for a negative attitude were the high cost, distance from vaccination site, inadequate knowledge, fear of subsequent adolescent promiscuity and concern about adverse effects. In light of the benefits of HPV vaccination, the Nigerian government should make HPV vaccines available, affordable, and accessible to the public.

Knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine among senior secondary school students in Nigeria: Implications on cancer prevention strategies, the CHANCE Study

“…These sources include friends, parents, and health workers. However, this finding strengthens some Nigerian studies that reported that friends, health workers and parents can be a source of information on HPV and HPV vaccine 41,[59][60][61][62] .…”

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

“…These control strategies against cervical cancer are enhanced by early detection of HPV and the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. The HPV vaccine has also been recommended by WHO as the fundamental approach for the prevention of cervical cancer, and should ideally be administered preceding first sexual contact ( 11 ). Although the vaccines have been approved for administration in Nigeria since 2009, it is mostly accessible to privileged individuals that can afford the cost ( 11 ).…”

“…The HPV vaccine has also been recommended by WHO as the fundamental approach for the prevention of cervical cancer, and should ideally be administered preceding first sexual contact ( 11 ). Although the vaccines have been approved for administration in Nigeria since 2009, it is mostly accessible to privileged individuals that can afford the cost ( 11 ). This contributed to the major challenges limiting HPV vaccination exercise in Sub-Saharan Africa which is the non-release of funds by government agencies to sponsor free vaccination and the inability of low-earners to self-sponsor ( 12 - 14 ).…”