Household survey on Human Papilloma Virus vaccine awareness among women of reproductive age in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the commonest female genital tract malignancy associated with high mortality in sub-Saharan Africa due to poor prevention plan. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, and the infection is vaccine preventable. Since the introduction of HPV vaccine, robust community surveys on awareness of the vaccine that capture end-users perspective is scarce. The aim of this study is to determine HPV vaccine awareness among women of reproductive age group. Methods: This was a household survey that used multi-stage random sampling conducted amongst 1002 women aged 18-4 9 years from August to September 2012 in Mokola area, Ibadan, south western Nigeria. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed, and statistical significance was set at 95% confidence level. Results: The mean age was 29.8 ± 8.2 years and 49.9% had female children. Only 4.6% had heard of HPV vaccine. A significantly higher odds of HPV vaccine awareness was found among highly skilled women, those initiating sexual intercourse at older ages; women with multiple sexual partners and those aware that cervical cancer is preventable. Conclusion: The awareness of HPV vaccine is low. Policies and programs that will improve awareness utilising culturally sensitive messages are imperative.