Abstract:
Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread sexually transmitted infection and a
leading cause of cervical cancer. The World Health Organization recommends vaccination as a
preventive measure. However, in Ethiopia, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer
among women, and HPV prevalence is high, yet the uptake of HPV vaccine remains low. The
willingness of caregivers to vaccinate their daughters is crucial for vaccine uptake. This study
addressed the lack of information on caregiver willingness for HPV vaccination in a study area
and examined unexplored factors in the Ethiopian context.
Objectives: This study assessed the level of Caregivers' willingness to vaccinate their daughters
against the Human Papilloma Virus and associated factors in Jimma town, 2023.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1-30, 2023. A total
of 471 study participants were selected using multi-stage sampling. Data was collected using an
interviewer-administered questionnaire. Then data was entered by Epi Data version 4.6 and
exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Bivariate and Multivariable logistic
regression analyses were done to identify associated factors. A p-value of <0.05 was used to
determine statistical significance. Then the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were
computed. Data was presented using tables, graphs, and texts.
Result: A total of 459 respondents provided complete responses, resulting in a response rate of
97.4%. Among those 82.4% (95% CI:79.0-86.0) of caregivers indicated a willingness to have their
daughters vaccinated. Having college education or above(AOR:3.31, 95%CI:(1.02-10.8), good
knowledge of HPV vaccine(AOR:2.25, 95%CI:(1.05-4.85), good knowledge of Sexually
transmitted infections(STIs)(AOR:2.04, 95%CI:(1.09-3.82), good knowledge of cervical
cancer(AOR:2.50, 95%CI:(1.31-4.77) and positive attitude towards the vaccine(AOR:4.03,
95%CI:(2.26-7.22), were associated with willingness.
Conclusion and recommendation: The majority of caregivers were willing to vaccinate their
daughters against HPV. Caregivers who had higher education, good knowledge about the HPV
vaccine, cervical cancer, and STIs, as well as positive attitudes towards the vaccine, were more
likely to be willing to vaccinate. Efforts should be made to educate caregivers about the vaccine,
cervical cancer, and STIs while promoting positive attitudes.
