Prevalence, Prevention and Willingness to Vaccinate against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among Women with Adolescent Daughters in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern due to its association with cervical cancer. Understanding the prevalence of HPV vaccination, prevention practices, and the willingness to vaccinate among women with adolescent daughters is important for improving vaccination coverage. This study aims to assess the prevalence of HPV vaccination, knowledge of HPV prevention, and the willingness to vaccinate daughters among women attending outpatient clinics in Rivers State, Nigeria. A hospital-based descriptive, multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2021 at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). The study included 304 women with adolescent daughters, recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with results presented in frequencies and percentages. Of the 304 participants, 40% were aged 30-39 years, and 73.4% had tertiary education. Only 2.3% had previously vaccinated their daughters against HPV. The primary reasons for not vaccinating included insufficient information (54.2%) and lack of access to the vaccine (26.9%). Despite this, 70.4% of the respondents expressed willingness to vaccinate their daughters if provided with adequate information and access.  The study highlights a low prevalence of HPV vaccination among adolescent girls in Rivers State, with significant barriers including lack of information and access. However, there is a high willingness to vaccinate, indicating the potential for increased vaccination rates through targeted educational and accessibility interventions.