Knowledge, Attitude And Uptake Of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Among Adolescents In Bauchi Local Government Area Of Bauchi State, Nigeria

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Background: Cervical cancer is a vaccine preventable disease, it remains a public health issue, with the disease’s highest burden seen in developing countries such as Nigeria, where it is the second most frequent gynecological cancer and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is caused by HPV infection, which is a vaccine preventable sexually transmitted infection with high incidence among the younger population. This study assessed knowledge, attitude and Uptake of HPV Vaccination among adolescents in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire to 422 female adolescents of Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State. Responses were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and the level of significance is set at 0.05. Results: the mean age and SD of the respondents are 13.0 ± 2.0 and majority are Hausa by tribe (62%), Muslims (98%), with secondary level of education (47%), single (100%), not engaged in menial works (70%). There was good knowledge on HPV vaccine (65%), good attitude towards HPV vaccine (99.3%) and also good uptake of the HPV vaccine (60%) among the respondents. Also, the factors from the study that contribute significantly to the knowledge of HPV vaccine was level of education of the respondents and that of uptake of HPV vaccine were age and ethnicity of the respondents but, none was significant for attitude. Formal education, age and ethnicity were the predictors of knowledge of, and uptake of HPV infection and vaccination among the respondents. Conclusion: Adolescents within the age of 9 to 14 years in Bauchi LGA, Bauchi State have good knowledge, attitude and uptake of HPV infection and vaccine. Age, level of education and ethnicity of the respondents are the factors associated with good knowledge, and uptake of HPV infection and vaccine but, none was significant for attitude. The predictors of knowledge of, and uptake of HPV infection and vaccine of the respondent were age, formal education and ethnicity. There is need to strengthen the HPV vaccination among adolescent to prevent the infection and its consequences.