Awareness and Acceptance of HPV Vaccination for Daughters Among Women Previously Screened for Cervical Cancer in Damaturu, Nigeria
Aisha Adamu Buba, Bala Mohanmmed AuduAbstract
Background:
Cervical cancer is a major health issue in low- and middle-income countries, mainly caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Prevention depends on HPV vaccination and screening, but awareness of HPV and its vaccine is often low. This study evaluated women’s awareness of HPV, knowledge of the vaccine and their willingness to vaccinate their daughters after they undergo cervical screening.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using telephone interviews among women who had undergone cervical cytology screening within the previous 3 years. Participants were identified from a screening clinic register. Data on the awareness of HPV infection, awareness of HPV vaccination and willingness to accept vaccination for daughters were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
A total of 748 women participated (response rate: 87.9%). The awareness of HPV infection was very low (2.0%), and only 15.0% had heard of the HPV vaccine. However, 93.7% were willing to vaccinate their daughters if the vaccine was available. Educational status (
Conclusion:
Despite the high willingness to vaccinate daughters, the awareness of HPV infection and vaccination remains very low; improving public education and integrating HPV information into screening services could boost vaccine uptake and cervical cancer prevention.