Abstract 46: Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Its Determinants Among Adolescent Girls Aged 14 Years Old in Hai District of Kilimanjaro Region in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is a key primary prevention method against cervical cancer which is given to young girls before onset of sexual activity. In Tanzania, cervical cancer is the most frequent occurring cancer among women and is the leading cause of cancer mortality. The HPV Vaccination program was rolled-out in Tanzania in 2018 for adolescent girls aged 9-14 years old to receive two doses at a six months interval, with the annual vaccine uptake of 46.1%. In 2019, the uptake of the HPV vaccine was 64%, where as the national coverage target is 75%. This study is aimed at assessing the determinants of HPV vaccination among adolescent girls in Hai district, Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2020 among 14 years old girls in selected secondary schools within Hai district. Close ended questionnaire interviews were conducted to the girls on the study. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and odds ratio was used to assess the association between several factors and HPV vaccination. Results: A total of 301 adolescent girls aged 14 years consented to the study. HPV vaccination uptake was 65% (196). More than three fifth (60.7%, 119) reported to have received the two required doses. Knowledge of HPV (OR = 5.68 95% CI (0.72- 44.96); p-value = 0.01) and HPV vaccine (OR = 20.11 95% CI (10.88- 37.99); p-value = 0.01) contributed significantly to HPV vaccine uptake among the adolescent girls in the study. More than one-third (34.9%, 105) of the participants were not vaccinated, main reasons adduced for not being vaccinated include lack of proper information about HPV vaccine (60.0%), fear of side effects (14%) and parental refusal (11%). Conclusion: HPV vaccination is globally accepted as a pivotal primary prevention means against cervical cancer. Emphasizing dissemination of clear and comprehensible information to the society, especially to the adolescent girls, about HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine will significantly increase HPV vaccination among the adolescent girls. Utilizing health care workers and policy makers in providing such education will facilitate its successful implementation. Citation Format: Jojet Josephat. Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Its Determinants Among Adolescent Girls Aged 14 Years Old in Hai District of Kilimanjaro Region in Northern Tanzania [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 46.