Barriers and Facilitators Influencing HPV Vaccine Uptake Among Caregivers of Females Aged 9-14 Years in Taraba State of Nigeria

The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is notably high among Nigerian women, particularly those of reproductive age.This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic attributes, knowledge levels, obstacles, and enablers affecting HPV vaccine uptake in Taraba State, Nigeria.Data were collected from participants through a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, vaccine uptake, and different influencing factors, including cultural attitudes, healthcare access, and parental awareness of HPV vaccine uptake.The results indicated that females, primarily aged 18-30, represented the majority of respondents, with 62.8% possessing tertiary education.The findings indicated that 41.5% of caregivers have high knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine, whereas 36.0%have low awareness, and 22.5% have moderate awareness.Identified primary obstacles includes cultural attitudes (52.0%), misconceptions (36.3%), and restricted vaccine accessibility (34.3%), with safety concerns and financial constraints further hindering uptake.Facilitators such as free or subsidized vaccination programs (79.3%), enhanced education and awareness (86.3%), engagement of community leaders (93.3%), and school-based immunization campaigns (92.5%) were extensively reported.To promote the uptake of HPV vaccines, it is essential to implement multi-approach interventions, including health education, improved access via expanded vaccination centres and school programs, community participation through influential leaders, and ongoing provision of free vaccinations.