Parental perception of human papillomavirus vaccination of prepubertal girls in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of young girls is yet to be a routine practice in Nigeria and parents' acceptance may influence immunization of their children. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine beliefs and concerns of parents about HPV vaccination of girls. Subjects and Methods : A cross-sectional survey of parents of girls between 10 and 15 years in 12 selected secondary schools of Ilorin using a self-administered questionnaire designed by researchers was conducted. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis involved univariate and bivariate analyses with SPSS version 20. The level of significance for all tests was set at 5%. Results: The respondents were 470 mothers between 31 and 50 years, 58.1% had at least secondary school education, 70.2% were employed, and 22.8% belonged to the upper social class. Of the study participants, 35.1% were aware of HPV vaccine and 33.8% knew that the vaccine was available in Nigeria. While 55.8% of mothers believed that all girls should be vaccinated, 19.5% responded that only sexually active girls should have it. Among all respondents, full protection, need for repeated doses, and age of the girls were significantly related to willingness to vaccinate statistically (P < 0.05). These concerns were not significant among mothers that were aware of HPV vaccines. Conclusions: There is low awareness of HPV vaccine among mothers in Ilorin despite the high prevalence of cervical cancer in our environment. Parental perception of HPV vaccines in terms of concerns and beliefs was significantly related to willingness of mothers to vaccinate their daughters.