Knowledge, Attitudes, and Acceptance of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Women of Reproductive Age Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of cervical cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to preventive services is limited. Despite the proven effectiveness of HPV vaccination in preventing HPV-related diseases, vaccine uptake remains low in many developing countries. Aims: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of HPV vaccination among women of reproductive age attending a tertiary hospital in Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 366 women aged 15 to 49 years attending Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria. Participants were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination, attitudes towards vaccination, and vaccine acceptance. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most respondents were 25 to 34 years old (40.17%), married (52.19%), and had tertiary education (50.27%). Awareness of HPV was reported by 76.78% of participants. Overall, 45.63% demonstrated good knowledge, 37.43% had moderate knowledge, and 16.94% had poor knowledge of HPV vaccination. Social media (47.27%) and the internet (34.43%) were the main sources of information. Positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination were reported by 63.39% of respondents, while 59.29% demonstrated high vaccine acceptance. The distributions of knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women attending the tertiary hospital demonstrated relatively high levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and substantial acceptance of HPV vaccination. However, important knowledge gaps regarding vaccine safety, dosage schedules, and potential side effects remain. Strengthening health education and expanding healthcare provider and digital health interventions may further improve vaccine uptake in Southeast Nigeria.