Perceived Benefits, Willingness and Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus Screening and Vaccination among Female Undergraduates in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection of which many of the infected persons were in their late teens and early 20s. HPV is also responsible for causing cervical cancer. The major primary prevention of HPV includes prophylactic screening and vaccination. 

Objectives: The study assessed the perceived benefits, willingness and uptake of HPV screening and vaccination among female undergraduates in University of Ibadan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was adopted and 308 females from the university answered the self-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 25). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present results and test hypotheses

Results: The mean age of the respondents is 22±4years. Analysis revealed positive perceived benefits of HPV screening and vaccination 179(58%), high willingness to uptake screening 197(64%) and vaccination 231(75%) and poor uptake of HPV screening and vaccination 15(5%). Ethnicity does not have any significant influence on the uptake (R²= 0.05, p = 0.216) and no significant relationship between the perceived benefits and uptake (p=0.257). There is a positive perceived benefits of HPV screening and vaccination, average willingness to undergo screening and vaccination and poor uptake of screening and vaccination amongst the female undergraduate students.

Conclusion: It is therefore necessary the government and other stakeholders provide adequate funds for health sector to procure vaccines and screening equipment for HPV screening and vaccination.