FACTORS INFLUENCING THE UPTAKE OF THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE AMONG GIRLS AGED 9-10 YEARS AT KAJJANSI HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT,  A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Irene Nantongo; REBECCA NAMUBIRU; Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1543

Authors

Irene Nantongo School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Rebecca Namubiru School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Jane Frank Nalubega

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1543

Keywords:

Human papillomavirus, Uptake of the HPV vaccine, Girls aged 9-10 years, Kajjansi Health Centre IV

Abstract

Background

The study aims to identify the factors influencing the uptake of the human papillomavirus vaccine among girls aged 9-10 years at Kajjansi Health Centre IV, Wakiso District.

Methodology

This study adopted a cross-sectional study design, utilizing quantitative methods of data collection. It included 30 participants, who were parents and legal guardians of adolescent girls aged 9-10 years attending Kajjansi Health Centre IV accompanied by adolescents.

Results

The majority 29 (97%) attained formal education, and 1 (3%) were not educated. 21(70%) reported no awareness about the existence of HPV and its vaccine. 23 (76.7%) thought the vaccine wasn’t safe and beneficial for their children to receive. 19(63.3%) reported traditional cultural beliefs or taboos against the vaccination of children, and 11 (36.7%) reported none. 20 (66.7%) reported mistrust towards vaccines provided by the government in their families or communities. 16 (53%) reported that they waited for the health worker for more than an hour, while 1 (3%) noted low delay. 17 (57%) responded that health workers were rude during their last visit, and 3 (10%) said they were polite. 21 (70%) appreciated vaccine availability in the facility.

Conclusion

Therefore, factors influencing the uptake of the HPV vaccine included the education level of parents, lack of awareness about the vaccine and its benefits, individual attitude towards the vaccine, poor health workers’ attitude, and long waiting times to receive service.

Recommendation

Ministry of Health, health workers, and other responsible bodies should use all available avenues to increase the public knowledge concerning the availability, safety, and benefits of HPV vaccine through routine public awareness campaigns, regular health education talks, printed flyers, and involvement of village health team to help deal with HPV vaccine hesitancy.

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