Awareness and acceptability of Human Papillomavirus (IIPV) vaccine among staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe, Nigeria

Abstract

Summary The study was carried out to document awareness, and acceptability of Human Papillomavirus virus (HPV) vaccines amongst staff of Obafemi Awolowo University lle-lfe. A cross-sectional survey of 400 members of staff who are parents of female children aged 10-19 years was conducted. Information on awareness on HPV infection and vaccine, attitude towards and parental acceptability of vaccine were collected using a structured self administered questionnaire. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered, 385(96.3%) were correctly filled and analyzed. Only few (16.6 %) have heard of HPV infection, of which 31.7% obtained information from the hospital. Majority (92%) believed that it protects against cervical cancer, 18.7% believed it causes HPV infection and 49.6% believed it will promote promiscuity. Majority ((84.4%) agreed that the vaccine should be included in the routine immunization schedule. Most of the parents (81.0%) were willing to accept HPV vaccination. Parental belief that the vaccine prevent cervical cancer (a=0.38, P<0.001) and parental agreement of its inclusion in routine immunization (a= 0.12, P=0.002) were predictors of increased HPV acceptability. Increased parental HPV acceptability was associated with the belief that HPV vaccination was beneficial and protective to health. There is a need for it to be included in the pre-school immunization programmed.