Willingness and Attitude Towards Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination Among Early-Adolescent Female School Students, in Harar, Ethiopia, 2024: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes various cancers, particularly in women with early sexual activity, multiple partners, and unprotected sex. However, the willingness of adolescents to receive the vaccine is influenced by community, organization, policy, and parental conditions. A study was conducted in Harar, Ethiopia, from January to February 2024. The study used a questionnaire adapted from previous studies and data collection involved face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were calculated and binary logistic was used to assess associated factors. The overall favorable attitude and willingness to take HPV vaccination in this study was 66.67% (95% CI: 61.9%, 71.2%) and 50.6% (95% CI: 45.7%, 55.5%), respectively. The factor associated with the willingness to get HPV vaccination was living with parents (AOR =2.06 95% CI 1.07, 3.95), having a father's education (AOR=1.63 95% CI 1.01, 2.66), vaccine hesitancy (AOR=0.63, 95% CI 0.41, 0.98), hesitancy and complacency (AOR=1.7, 95% CI 1.07, 2.69), (AOR=1.86, 95% CI1.18, 2.93) respectively. The factor associated with the attitude towards HPV vaccination was access to the minimal media, the occupation of the parents was non-governmental, vaccine hesitancy. The study indicates a moderate willingness and attitude towards HPV vaccination among early adolescent female students.