Factors associated with low uptake of human papilloma virus vaccination among girls aged 10–14 years in Mbale City

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a proven crucial strategy for prevention of cervical cancer. Despite government programs for the HPV vaccination, the coverage among the eligible girls remains suboptimal in Uganda. This study assessed HPV vaccination coverage and explored factors associated with missed HPV vaccination among girls 10-14 years in Mbale city, Uganda. Understanding the reasons for the missed HPV vaccination is essential for making strategic improvements for HPV vaccination program. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 girls aged 10-14 years in Mbale city, Uganda. Fifty (50) schools were randomly selected and stratified by classes. Data was collected using a standard semi-structured and analyzed using stata version 16. Descriptive statistics including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were used to come up with variables that showed significant Associations with HPV uptake using a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Overall, 68.4% of the girls reported to have received at least a dose of HPV vaccine, while 31.6% were unvaccinated. Major reasons for the missed vaccination included inadequate awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine, fear of vaccine side effects, large households affecting family decisions, and absence from school during vaccination days. Conclusion: The uptake of HPV Vaccine was suboptimal below the 90% WHO recommended coverage in Mbale city, as 31.6% of eligible girls missed vaccination. Strengthening community sensitization, Equipping teachers with educative messages on vaccination, improving access to vaccination services in school and community, and enhancing follow-up strategies to ensure reach of missed girls are some of the efforts to reduce HPV vaccination inequities.