Knowledge and Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine among Female Undergraduate Medical Students in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection responsible for several cancers, including cervical cancer, which ranks fourth among cancers in women worldwide and despite the availability of effective vaccines that can prevent over 90% of HPV-related malignancies, awareness and uptake remain low, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Female university students are a key target group for HPV vaccination as they fall within the recommended age range and can greatly benefit from improved awareness and preventive strategies. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the HPV vaccine and uptake among female medical students at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with two-stage sampling was employed. An online self-administered questionnaire was completed by 367 undergraduate female medical students at the institution. Data were analyzed using IBM statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) version 27. Data were summarized using means, frequency, proportions and regression analysis Results: Of the 367 respondents, 37.6% had good knowledge of HPV infection and vaccine. Also, the uptake of the HPV vaccine among respondents was 8.2%, with only 20% of those vaccinated completing the full dose. Conclusion: Knowledge of HPV infection and vaccine and uptake of the vaccine is unacceptably low. Without immediate and targeted interventions, the potential for HPV vaccination to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria will remain largely unrealized.