Edo State Sexual and Reproductive Health Cross-Sectional Study Multi-stage Sampling Questionnaire Public Health Disease Prevention Health Education Chi-square Test Logistic Regression SPSS Analysis

Background: Humam Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most prevalent viral infection of the reproductive system. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and most people acquire it soon after becoming sexually active. HPV infection is the primary cause of almost all cervical cancers and certain HPV types also contribute to the development of cancers in the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and oropharynx. Cervical cancer can be prevented through interventions such as health education, safe sex practices, and HPV vaccination.
Aim: The study evaluated the awareness about HPV vaccines, attitude towards HPV vaccination, the prevalence of HPV vaccination and associated factors among female secondary school students in Benin City, Edo State.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 secondary school students who were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A pretested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination, attitudes towards HPV vaccination; and uptake of the vaccine. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Univariate analysis was used to assess the mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages of variables. Bivariate analysis using chi-square test and Fischer’s Exact test were used to determine the association between respondent’s sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and uptake of HPV vaccination. Independent predictors of knowledge, attitude, and uptake of HPV vaccination were assessed using binary logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was set to p<0.05. Results were presented in prose, tables and charts.