Willingness to Pay for HPV Vaccine among Women Living with HIV in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for most cervical cancer cases globally, with women living with HIV having a higher risk of persistent HPV infection and HPV-associated disease. The HPV vaccine is a promising tool to reduce cervical cancer rates, but its uptake among women living with HIV in Nigeria is unknown. Methods: A facility-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1371 women living with HIV to assess their knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine as well as their willingness to pay for the vaccine at the HIV treatment clinic at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos. To identify factors associated with the willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine, multivariable logistic regression models were developed. Results: This study found that 79.1% of participants had not heard of the vaccine, and only 29.0% knew its efficacy in preventing cervical cancer. In addition, 68.3% of participants were unwilling to pay for the vaccine, and the average amount they were willing to pay was low. Knowledge of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer and income were factors associated with the willingness to pay for the vaccine. Health workers were the primary source of information. Conclusions: This study highlights the lack of knowledge and low willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine among women living with HIV in Nigeria and emphasizes the importance of improving education and awareness. Factors associated with the willingness to pay, such as income and knowledge, were identified. Practical strategies, such as community outreach and school-based education programs, could be developed to increase vaccine uptake. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing the willingness to pay.

HPV DNA Testing and Mobile Colposcopy for Cervical Precancer Screening in HIV Positive Women: A Comparison Between Two Settings in Ghana and Recommendation for Screening

“…As HPV vaccination is not covered by public insurance in Ghana, it appears that many WLHIV may be unwilling or unable to pay for it, as highlighted in a recent study conducted in Nigeria. 26 Thus, the cost of HPV vaccination may be a substantial barrier to its uptake, especially for women with lower incomes, which was the rural group in this study. We also observed that women screened in the rural setting were 12 times more likely to have undergone cervical screening than those screened in the urban setting.…”

Improving Women's Health in the 21st Century: Current Challenges, Medical Advancements and Future Prospects

“…Groundbreaking studies demonstrate its safety and effectiveness against a gamut of potentially life-altering HPV-related health conditions. From cervical cancer to many other perilous maladies, the vaccine is an epoch-making beacon of hope and renewal for the female populace embroiled in this battle [31,32].…”