Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Nigerian parents towards human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines

INTRODUCTION: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a renowned cause of cervical cancer, which has resulted in high mortality of individuals. Cervical cancer could be reduced by screening and HPV vaccination. This study investigated knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of parents towards HPV vaccines in Ibadan, South-West L.G.A, Oyo State, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used with a multi-stage sampling technique to select 186 parents from Ibadan South-West local government area of Oyo state. A validated structured questionnaire (r=0.78) was used for data collection. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 30.2 years. The parents had good knowledge of the HPV vaccine (mean=3.12) and most had a high level of knowledge (98.9%). Parents demonstrated negative attitude (mean=2.97) and positive perception to HPV vaccines. Major factors affecting their attitude towards the uptake of HPV vaccines were: finance (86%), level of education (81%), distance to health facilities (83%), inadequate knowledge about the vaccine (89%), fear of promiscuity (82%), and concern about adverse effect (80%). CONCLUSIONS: Factors responsible for a negative attitude were the high cost, distance from vaccination site, inadequate knowledge, fear of subsequent adolescent promiscuity and concern about adverse effects. In light of the benefits of HPV vaccination, the Nigerian government should make HPV vaccines available, affordable, and accessible to the public.