HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents and caregivers of adolescents in Northern Nigeria

Background

The recent introduction of the HPV vaccine into Nigeria's routine immunization schedule has brought parental vaccine hesitancy to the forefront. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Kano State, a region with historically low immunization rates, is crucial in assessing the level of parental hesitancy and uncovering its determinants, potentially informing future public health policies.

Methods

The participants were a representative sample of parents or caregivers of children aged 9–14 years (n = 1071) in Kano State and were selected via a multi-stage sampling method. We administered structured questionnaires anchored in the Socio-ecological Model and the Precaution Adoption Process Model. We utilized validated measures to assess intent to vaccinate against HPV and potential key indicators of intent to vaccinate adolescent boys and girls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of parental HPV vaccine hesitancy.

Result

If the HPV vaccine were free or subsidized, about one-third [32.7 %] of parents would choose not to vaccinate their children against the virus. Only 4.2 % had ever heard of HPV, and a mere 5.1 % had heard of the cervical cancer vaccine or HPV vaccine. Compared to those who were aware of the virus, those who had never heard of HPV had higher adjusted odds of vaccine hesitancy [OR: 2.86, 95 %CI: 1.28–6.40]. Some of the top reasons for parental hesitancy were their concerns about the safety of the vaccine and the lack of doctors' recommendations.

Conclusion

The study revealed that parental hesitancy is a significant barrier to HPV uptake in Kano State. There is an urgent need for a multi-faceted HPV knowledge enhancement approach focusing on elevating parental awareness about the HPV vaccine and, particularly, its relationship to cervical cancer prevention.