Factors Associated with Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake Among Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Despite the proven effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the prevention of HPV-related malignancies, vaccine uptake remains low in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study assessed the level of HPV vaccine uptake and associated factors among undergraduate students at a Nigerian university.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 undergraduates selected through a multi-stage sampling technique between July and September 2023. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 26. 

Results: Of the 410 male and female participants, 1.5% (6/410) received the HPV vaccine, all of whom were female (2.8% of the female respondents). Vaccine uptake was associated with knowing where to obtain the vaccine (p<0.001) and sex (p=0.037). Maternal levels of education, knowledge of the HPV vaccine, age, knowledge of HPV, and socioeconomic class were not related to vaccine uptake. Common reasons for non-uptake of the HPV vaccine included lack of awareness (63.2%; 211/334) and not knowing where to obtain the vaccine (19.2%; 64/334).

Conclusion: The uptake of the HPV vaccine was very low, with a major barrier to vaccination being a lack of awareness about the vaccine.

Recommendation: This study provides a need to strengthen collaboration between university authorities and health authorities in raising awareness, improving accessibility, and enhancing the integration of HPV vaccination services within university settings in Nigeria.

Keywords: Human papillomavirus vaccine, vaccine uptake, cervical cancer, undergraduate students, Nigeria