KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND UPTAKE OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS VACCINE AMONG STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY DEMONSTRATION SECONDARY SCHOOL BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted disease. HPVs are DNA viruses that infect only humans. Its association with the development of cervical and other forms of cancers has been observed, making it a major public health concern. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and utilization of HPV vaccine among female students in selected classes in University Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS). A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used for the study. The subjects of the study consisted of one hundred and seventy one female students in the selected classes in University Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS). A researcher constructed questionnaire was administered to students and 171 questionnaires were retrieved. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics- frequency and percentages. Pearson chi-square was used to test for relationships. The study showed that 36(21.1%) have poor level of knowledge, 51(29.8%) have fair level of knowledge while 84(49.1%) have good level of knowledge. Furthermore, It shows that 166(97.1%) have received the HPV vaccination, among which they have all 5(100.0%) taken 2 doses.  Among those that have received the vaccine, 3(60.0%) received it at the age of 13 – 15years. The result from the study also showed that there was no significant association (p>0.05) between age and uptake of the vaccine. Also there was no significant association (p>0.05) between level of knowledge and uptake of the vaccine. Based on the findings of this study the following conclusions were made. Knowledge of HPV among female students in University Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS), Benin City was moderate, majority of the respondents have received HPV vaccination, there was no significant association (p>0.05) between age and uptake of the vaccine and finally, there is no significant association (p>0.05) between level of knowledge and uptake of the vaccine. It is therefore recommended that this study should be replicated in other states or geopolitical zones, private and state schools so that generalization of findings may be possible.

KEY WORDS: knowledge, Human Papilloma Virus, Vaccine, Attitude, Uptake