• B N Azuogu, C D Umeokonkwo, V C Azuogu, O E Onwe, I N Okedo-Alex, and C C Egbuji.
• Department of Community Medicine, Ebonyi State University; Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2019 Sep 1; 22 (9): 1286-1291.

BackgroundBy the end of 2017, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine had been introduced in 80 countries, but Nigeria proposes introducing the vaccine into her routine immunization program from late 2020 or early 2021. The current mode of HPV access in the country is through out-of-pocket purchase with only 1.4% of adolescent girls being vaccinated. Cervical cancer has remained the second highest cancer among women in Nigeria, and the incidence rate is significantly higher than the global rate. This study assessed the factors associated with HPV awareness and willingness to vaccinate daughters among mothers of female secondary school students in Abakaliki.Materials And MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 290 mothers of female students selected through multistage sampling technique using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with Epi Info™ version 7.ResultsThe mean age of the mothers was 42 ± 8 years, and 72.8% attained at least secondary education, while 37.2% were traders. Their awareness of HPV and uptake of cervical cancer screening were low, 42.8% and 9%, respectively. Although 89.1% were willing to vaccinate their daughters, only 6.9% of their daughters had ever received HPV vaccine. Lack of awareness on HPV vaccine and cost of purchase were the most cited reasons for low vaccine uptake. Education, screening status, mother-daughter vaccination status, and willingness to encourage others on HPV vaccine for daughters were significantly associated with HPV awareness.ConclusionMost of the mothers were willing to vaccinate their daughters with HPV vaccine, but they lack awareness and the financial resources for the access. There is an urgent need for vigorous enlightenment campaigns on HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening. Adding HPV vaccine in the routine immunization program will improve universal access and address financial concerns.

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