Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and associated factors among schoolgirls in Sululta and Chancho towns, Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among women in Ethiopia. The introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is expected to substantially reduce the burden of the disease. However, evidence regarding HPV vaccine uptake in Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to assess the level of HPV vaccination uptake and its associated factors among adolescent schoolgirls in Sululta and Chancho towns, Oromia Region, Central Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 adolescent schoolgirls (225 from Sululta and 191 from Chancho) selected using a simple random sampling technique; 400 participants completed the study (response rate = 96%). Data were entered, coded, and cleaned using Epi Info version 7.2.5 and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize proportions and percentages. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake. The overall HPV vaccine uptake was 63.3% (95% CI: 59%–68%), comprising 32.8% partially vaccinated and 30.5% fully vaccinated schoolgirls. Factors significantly associated with vaccination uptake included knowledge or information about HPV and the HPV vaccine (AOR = 12.953; 95% CI: 3.696–45.392), mothers’ educational level (primary education: AOR = 1.888; 95% CI: 1.036–3.442; secondary education: AOR = 2.911; 95% CI: 1.215–6.971; higher education: AOR = 5.182; 95% CI: 1.153–23.291), and being 16 years of age (AOR = 6.76; 95% CI: 1.241–36.878). Maternal knowledge and education level remained significant predictors of HPV vaccine uptake in multivariable analysis. HPV vaccination coverage among the study participants was relatively high compared to previous reports from other regions of Ethiopia. Age, maternal education, and knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination were significant predictors of vaccine uptake. Key barriers to vaccination included concerns about potential side effects, limited awareness of the vaccination schedule, and negative attitudes toward vaccination.