PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS AND VACCINATION UPTAKE AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been a concern in the medical field since the mid-20th century, with research linking it to both warts and certain cancers. This study explores the perception, knowledge, awareness, and vaccination uptake of HPV among students in tertiary institutions within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. The main objective was to assess students' understanding of HPV and their vaccine uptake. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, with data collected from 363 female students (Figure 1), using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and One-Way ANOVA were employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that 65% of the students had heard of HPV, but only 30% demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the virus and its vaccine to a high extent. Awareness varied by source; for example, 41.0% of respondents reported a moderate extent of awareness through media (Figure 2), while 62.0% indicated low awareness through family discussions (Table 1). No significant associations were found between gender and HPV knowledge, or between age and vaccination uptake (p > .314). Academic level did not significantly influence awareness or perceptions, with similar awareness levels across disciplines and study levels (ANOVA, p > 0.05; Figure 4). Vaccination uptake was low, with only 20% of respondents reporting receiving the HPV vaccine, and 34.2% showing a moderate likelihood of considering vaccination in the future (Table 4). The study concludes that demographic factors such as gender, age, and academic level do not significantly affect students' knowledge, awareness, or vaccine uptake. Therefore, universal educational initiatives are necessary to enhance HPV awareness and vaccination rates. Future research should explore other potential influences, such as social and cultural factors, on HPV-related behaviours. The study recommends comprehensive education programs, digital platforms for awareness campaigns, and stronger collaboration between health institutions and universities to improve vaccination uptake.