Factors influencing uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine among school-going adolescent girls (10-14 years) in Kibra Sub County, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is administered to young girls prior to the initiation of sexual activity, is a crucial primary preventive measure against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the primary cause of cancer death and the most common cancer among Kenyan women. The study aimed to assess factors Influencing uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine among school-going adolescent girls (10-14yrs) in Kibra Sub County, Nairobi City County, Kenya. Methods: The study used an analytical cross-sectional where both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained for triangulation purposes. Both chi-square and binary logistic regression were employed to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Results: The uptake of the HPV vaccine in this study was 29.9% which is a public health concern. Attending a private school (OR=2,95%CI=1.17-3.26), having guardians aged between 34-40 years (OR=4.7,95%CI=0.09-0.53), having a positive perception of the HPV vaccine (OR=2.4,95%CI=0.26-0.66) and easy access to HPV vaccination services (OR=2.7,95%CI=0.22-0.65) increased the odds of the HPV vaccine uptake. Study respondents' guardians who had a primary level of education (OR=4,95%CI=1.97-8.04), being Muslim (OR=1.9,95%CI=0.30-0.94), and the absence of HPV vaccination programs targeting school-going girls (OR=2.2,95%CI=1.36-3.46) reduced the odds of HPV vaccine uptake. Conclusions: The uptake of the HPV vaccine was suboptimal. Attending a private school, easy access to HPV vaccination services, having guardians aged between 34-40 years, and having a positive perception of the HPV vaccine increased the odds of the HPV vaccine uptake. Multifaceted efforts should be put in place to enhance the uptake of HPV vaccines.