Abstract 53: Increasing HPV Vaccine Uptake: Assessing Knowledge, Intent, and Hesitancy Among Young Girls and Caregivers in Nigeria

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, intent to vaccinate, and hesitancy among young girls and caregivers in Nigeria. Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in Nigeria, with more than 7,000 deaths annually. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in protecting young girls and women from this preventable disease. Despite the national rollout and introduction into the routine immunization schedule, low vaccine uptake has been recorded in some regions due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Methods: In July 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Lagos, Nigeria, after the national rollout among daughters (9–14 years) and caregivers. Guided by the PEN-3 Cultural model, we developed a quantitative questionnaire to assess perceptions of the HPV vaccine and willingness to take the vaccine among caregivers and daughters. Descriptive data analysis was conducted, and the results are presented in tables. Results: Among the young girls surveyed, a total of 41 responses were collected. Of these girls, 51.2% were in primary school and the remainder in secondary school. Only 20.5% had heard of the HPV vaccine, while 15.9% were confident they had been vaccinated. Nevertheless, 40.9% believed that girls aged 9-14 should receive the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, and 24.4% felt they were healthy enough to forgo vaccination. Additionally, 44 adult caregivers participated in the survey, with 56.8% being female and 43.2% male. About 61.4% had completed tertiary education, while 31.8% had only reached secondary education. Most caregivers were employed full-time (43.2%), with 38.6% self- employed and 11.4% unemployed. Notably, 56.8% had never heard of the HPV vaccine. Only 15.9% had vaccinated their daughters, primarily between ages 9–14. Regarding intentions to vaccinate, 47.7% expressed that they were likely to approve the HPV vaccine for their daughters. In terms of vaccine hesitancy, only 25% believed the vaccine was safe, 34.1% believed it was effective against cervical cancer, and 34.1% felt the benefits outweighed the risks of side effects. Conclusion: Our study highlights low HPV vaccine uptake among young adolescent girls, with many caregivers unaware of the vaccine. Less than half were willing to vaccinate their daughters, primarily due to concerns about safety and efficacy. Increasing awareness and addressing hesitancy is essential to improve vaccine acceptance among caregivers. Citation Format: Oluwakorede J. Adedeji, Olufunto A. Olusanya, Peter Kalulu, Nkiruka Obodoechina, Maria Afadapa, Priscilla A. Kabutey, Caven N. Ngoe, Sonam Shah, Temitope Ojo, Abideen Salako, Joseph Ogbeh, Folahanmi T. Akinsolu, Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Dawit Alemu, Olaitan H. Olayiwola, Idris A. Oladosu, Collins O. Airhihenbuwa, Joseph D. Tucker, Oliver C. Ezechi, Juliet Iwelunmor. Increasing HPV Vaccine Uptake: Assessing Knowledge, Intent, and Hesitancy Among Young Girls and Caregivers in Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 53.