HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS (AGED 9-14 YEARS) ATTENDING KAJJANSI HEALTH CENTER IV IN WAKISO DISTRICT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Shibbah  Ankunda; Mariam  Suubi; Frank  Ssemuwemba; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1035

Authors

Shibbah Ankunda School of Clinical Medicine, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Mariam Suubi School of Clinical Medicine, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Frank Ssemuwemba School of Clinical Medicine, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1035

Keywords:

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination, Female Adolescents, Kajjansi Health Center IV Wakiso District

Abstract

The background of the study

Uganda is overflowing with many women of reproductive age at risk of developing cervical cancer. Getting immunized with the HPV vaccine could be the only hope to avert this risk. WHO greatly recommends HPV vaccination to combat the spread of the HPV vaccine. However, despite availing the HPV vaccine in health facilities, its uptake remains stunted.

The objective of the study

The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with the uptake of Human Papillomavirus vaccination among female adolescents attending Kajjansi Health Center IV in Wakiso district.

Study methods

The study was of a cross-sectional descriptive design that utilized quantitative methods of data collection. This enabled the researcher to collect data from a large number of respondents (100 respondents) within a short period.

Results

A total of 100 questionnaires were collected. The score rates of knowledge were 63%, and those of attitude towards its effectiveness were 46% and uptake rates were 54%. The main factors influencing knowledge were age, attitude towards its effectiveness, and the source of information. Altitude was affected by socioeconomic status, and the uptake was mainly affected by the side effects experienced.

Conclusions

It was evident that most participants had information about HPV vaccination, although it was insufficient for them to complete the series. The side effects of the vaccine, inadequate health worker recommendation, inadequate knowledge about the safety of the vaccine, and absence of school-based vaccination programs were observed to influence its uptake.

Recommendations

Mass sensitization of the public should go on to enhance a complete understanding of the need to start and complete the series of HPV vaccinations. Any program aimed at creating mass awareness about HPV vaccination at any level should be boosted by the people in charge.