Human papilloma virus vaccination uptake and associated factors among adolescent girls in Merab Abaya district, Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia: Mixed methods.

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a well-established global strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer. However, the uptake of the vaccine varies across regions and countries due to several factors. Although girls are at risk for cervical cancer, there are limited studies measuring vaccination uptake among female adolescents in the study area.

OBJECTIVE

To assess human papilloma virus vaccination uptake and associated factors among adolescent girls, in Merab Abaya district, Gamo Zone, southern Ethiopia, 2024.

METHOD

A community-based cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among 626 adolescent girls selected using a two-stage sampling technique in Merab Abaya District, Gamo Zone, from February 1 to March 30, 2024. For the qualitative component, participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were entered using EpiData version 4.62 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between the dependent variable and associated factors. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariate analysis were considered statistically significant. For qualitative data analysis, OpenCode 4.02 software was used to conduct thematic content analysis.

RESULT

A total of 601 adolescent girls participated in this study, yielding a response rate of 96%. Of these, 324 (53.9%; 95% CI: 49.9-57.9%) had received the human papillomavirus vaccine. Vaccine uptake was significantly associated with: Good knowledge about the HPV vaccine (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI: 2.14-5.38), A positive attitude toward the HPV vaccine (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.02-2.78), Recommendation from health workers to get vaccinated (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.25-6.50), Family support for vaccination (AOR = 7.1; 95% CI: 3.97-12.60). Qualitative findings identified mistrust of the HPV vaccine, irregular vaccine provision, and lack of information provision as major barriers to uptake.

CONCLUSION

In this study, nearly fifty-four percent of adolescent girls had received the HPV vaccine. The overall uptake of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls remains low. Good knowledge about the HPV vaccine, a positive attitude toward it, recommendations from health workers, and family support were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. Therefore, health facilities and schools should strengthen community-based health education aimed at promoting behavioral change regarding the HPV vaccine and focus on creating various training opportunities for health workers and teachers.