Knowledge, Acceptance, Uptake Barriers, and Missed Opportunities of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Female Adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria: A Mixed-Method Study [ID 1096]

INTRODUCTION: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has shown efficacy against cervical cancer and HPV-related malignancies. The vaccine was recently introduced in Nigeria as a routine vaccination free for girls aged 9–14 years. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, acceptance, uptake barriers, and missed opportunities of HPV vaccination among adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study using mixed methods of data collection was carried out in four secondary schools in Benin City, Nigeria, over 3 months, after ethical approval. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. P values were set at <.05. RESULTS: There were 801 students with mean age group of 14.3±1.85. Only 56.5% had heard of the HPV vaccine, 15.5% had good knowledge of HPV, 23.4% received the vaccine, while 25.8% were willing to receive the vaccine when available. The reasons for refusal were fear of side effects (56.3%), fear of needles (18.2%), and lack of adequate information (11.3%). The missed opportunity was 71.9%. Father's level of education with odds ratio of 0.181 (95% CI, 0.034–0.947; P =.043) and location of the school with odds ratio of 0.369 (95% CI, 0.205–0.665, P <.001), were predictors of uptake of the HPV vaccine. The teachers agreed that the HPV vaccine was a good idea, whereas the parents shared divergent views. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccine in this study were low, and there was a significant proportion of missed opportunities. An improved public awareness compaign is advocated.