Predictors of HPV Vaccine Uptake Among Young Women in Bauchi State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Keywords:
HPV vaccine; cervical cancer prevention; vaccine uptake; predictors; Bauchi State; Nigeria; young womenAbstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria and is among the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination is recognized globally as one of the most effective preventive interventions. Despite increasing global efforts to improve HPV vaccine coverage, uptake in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, remains low. This study aimed to identify predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among young women aged 15–24 years in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January and March 2025 among 600 young women recruited from secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and community centers across urban and rural areas of Bauchi State using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer, attitudes toward HPV vaccination, parental influence, peer support, and access to healthcare services. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The mean age of participants was 19.2 ± 3.1 years. Overall HPV vaccine uptake was low, with only 18.0% of respondents reporting receipt of at least one dose. Awareness of HPV infection and cervical cancer was limited, as only 38.0% had heard of HPV and 25.0% knew that HPV causes cervical cancer. Significant predictors of vaccine uptake included higher educational attainment (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.8), parental support (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 2.0–4.9), awareness of cervical cancer (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.3), and access to youth-friendly healthcare services (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6–4.5).
Conclusion: HPV vaccine uptake among young women in Bauchi State remains suboptimal. Educational status, parental support, awareness of cervical cancer, and access to youth-friendly services significantly influence vaccine uptake. Comprehensive interventions focusing on health education, parental engagement, improved vaccine accessibility, and culturally appropriate community sensitization are needed to improve HPV vaccination coverage and reduce the burden of cervical cancer in northern Nigeria.
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