Assessment of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccine Awareness among Female Secondary School Students in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria: A Pre-Vaccination Rollout Survey

Odimegwu CL¹, Okoro OS^2, , Nnagbo JP², Chime PU¹, Mbanefo NR¹, Adiri CO², Uwaezuoke SN¹, Nnaji HC², Nkwo PO², Eze MI² and Ezeani IU³

¹Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, college of Medicine, University of Nigeria

²Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria

³Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Center Umuahia and Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State

Cite this paper:
Odimegwu CL, Okoro OS, Nnagbo JP, Chime PU, Mbanefo NR, Adiri CO, Uwaezuoke SN, Nnaji HC, Nkwo PO, Eze MI and Ezeani IU. Assessment of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccine Awareness among Female Secondary School Students in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria: A Pre-Vaccination Rollout Survey. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2026; 14(4):118-124. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-14-4-6

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of human papilloma virus(HPV) infection is high in the general population and HPV is considered an important cause of cervical cancer which is a preventable disease. However, previous studies done in other settings in Nigeria and other African countries suggested that there was low level of awareness of HPV infection and its vaccine. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge and awareness of HPV infection and its vaccine among female secondary school students in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria, prior to the National HPV vaccination rollout in October 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 647 female students aged 10–19 years in Enugu metropolis in October 2023. Data was collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to explore associations between knowledge and demographic variables. Results: The mean age of participants was 13.45 ± 1.81 years. Overall, 78% had never heard of HPV, and 79.8% demonstrated poor knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Students older than 13 years and those with more educated parents showed significantly higher awareness. Schools were the most cited source of information (53%). Misconceptions about HPV symptoms and prevention were common. Conclusion: Awareness of HPV and its vaccine was poor among the target demographic, underscoring the need for early school-based education and multi-sect oral stakeholder engagement to improve awareness of HPV infection and its vaccination uptake.

Keywords:
HPV Cervical Cancer Vaccine Awareness Adolescents Nigeria School Health

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