Vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus in Adolescent Girls: Mother’s Knowledge, Attitude, Desire and Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus is the main causative agent of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccination targets young adolescent girls that need parents’ consent for medical interventions. Objectives: To determine the practice of adolescent girls HPV vaccination, their mothers’ knowledge and attitude to HPV and HPV vaccination. Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study surveyed mothers of adolescent girls (9-17 years) in Nigeria. Relevant data were obtained using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using statistics software SPSS version 17. P-value of 0.05 is considered significant. Result: The mean age of 311 respondents was 40.4 ± 7 years. The vaccination of adolescent girls against HPV was low at 13.5% (42/311). The mothers’ awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine was 58.5% and 55.3% respectively. Majority of the respondents (84.6%) expressed desire to vaccinate their daughters. There was predominantly positive attitude towards vaccination against HPV; however, fewer mothers (73.5%) with predominantly positive attitude versus 87.4% of mothers with predominantly negative attitude vaccinated their daughters. P-value =0.02. Attitude of mothers to cost of HPV vaccine and concern for early onset of sexual activity by daughters significantly influenced HPV vaccination of daughters. P =0.04 and 0.007 respectively. Conclusion: There was moderate awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine among mothers of adolescent daughters in our environment. The high intention to vaccinate did not match the low uptake. Mother’s attitude to cost of vaccine and concern for early sexual debut significantly influence practice. Healthcare givers should latch on this positive attitude by mothers to increase uptake.