Willingness Of Caregivers To Have Their Daughters Vaccinated Against Human Papillomavirus And Associated Factors In Jimma Town

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.