eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Public Health Research 2327-6703 2026-08-10 14 4 118 124 10.12691/ajphr-14-4-6 AJPHR20261446 article Odimegwu CL 1 Okoro OS okoroonyemaechi@yahoo.com 2 Nnagbo JP 2 Chime PU 2 Mbanefo NR 2 Adiri CO 2 Uwaezuoke SN 2 Nnaji HC 2 Nkwo PO 2 Eze MI 2 Ezeani IU 3 Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, college of Medicine, University of Nigeria Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Center Umuahia and Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State 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¨C19 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. https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/14/4/6/ajphr-14-4-6.pdf HPV Cervical Cancer Vaccine Awareness Adolescents Nigeria School Health