|
Title: |
|
Authors:
|
|
Abstract: Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a leading cause of Sexually Transmitted
Infection (STI), including cervical cancer, which is a very common
gynecological cancer globally, yet uptake of the preventive vaccine remains sub-optimal in many developing countries. Despite increasing awareness,
socio-demographic, structural, and psycho-social barriers continue to
limit vaccination uptake. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting
HPV vaccine uptake, exploring the role of knowledge and other influencing
factors among female medical students in the University of Port Harcourt,
Rivers State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with two-stage
sampling was employed. An online self-administered questionnaire was completed
by 367 undergraduate female medical students at the institution. Data was
analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 27.
Data were summarized using means, frequency, proportions, chi-square and regression analysis;
p-values ≤0.05 were considered
statistically significant.
Results: Knowledge of HPV vaccination was not a significant predictor of
vaccine uptake among the respondents. Instead, age and academic level were
associated with good knowledge, while accessibility, willingness, and peer
influence were the strongest determinants of HPV vaccine uptake. Logistic
regression further confirmed that accessibility and absence of reasons to
refuse the vaccine were powerful predictors, underscoring that structural,
social, and attitudinal factors outweigh knowledge alone in determining HPV
vaccine uptake.
Conclusion: HPV vaccine uptake was influenced more by accessibility, willingness, and peer-related factors than by knowledge alone. Addressing structural and attitudinal barriers alongside health education is critical to improving HPV vaccine uptake. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2026.10206 |
|
PDF Download |