QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND ACCEPTABILITY OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE AMONG MOTHERS OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN IBADAN NORTH-WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Abstract

Cervical cancer caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) accounts for the second most common cancer. Globally, it affects more than half a million women each year. Vaccination against HPV is considered one of the strategies that can provide 80-100% protection against anogenital warts and reduce the incidence of pre-malignant lesions to 60-80% but the knowledge and uptake of HPV vaccine remain low in Nigeria and among women. This study investigated mothers’ knowledge, perception and acceptance of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine using a qualitative method This study was a descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study. A multistage and snowballing sampling technique was adopted to select the study participants. The study participants included mothers of adolescent girls between the ages of 9-15 years. An In-depth interview was conducted using an In-depth Interview guide to collect data on knowledge, perception, and acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccine among mothers of adolescent girls aged 9-15 years in a community setting. The audiotapes were played and replayed several times for clarity after which full verbatim transcription was done and analysed using thematic data analysis. Themes were generated and categories were developed from common themes. Each opinion of participants was highlighted in italics including means of identification for easy comprehension. Ethical approval was obtained from Oyo state ethical review committee. Most of the women were between the ages of 30-49 years and most of them were traders. Almost all the participants had heard about cervical cancer, but they do not have good knowledge about it. Only a few of the participants had heard of HPV and HPV vaccine. Brief information was given on Cervical Cancer, Human Papillomavirus, and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine to those who do not know about it. Despite their low knowledge, most of the participants accepted for their adolescent daughters to take the HPV vaccine for the prevention of HPV. The cost of the HPV vaccine, side effects of the vaccine and exposure of their daughters to promiscuity as a result of taking the HPV vaccine were the major barriers expressed by the mothers as regards to uptake of the vaccine by their daughters. he result from the qualitative study was able to establish the notion that Health education programs about cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine should be awareness and knowledge of mothers of adolescent girls. Also, HPV vaccination should be included as part of routine immunization for female adolescents.put in place to increase