INTENTION TO RECEIVE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Background: It has been well established that the human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a central role in the causation of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus vaccine protects against HPV types responsible for 70% of cervical cancer. Various factors influence women’s intention to receive HPV vaccination.

Objective: To determine the factors influencing HPV vaccination intention among female students at a private university.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among year one and year two female undergraduate students at a private university. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed consisting of personal factors, parental factors, knowledge on HPV infection and vaccination and perception about HPV infection and vaccination.

Results: The response rate was 89%. Among the respondents, 71.8% intended to receive the vaccine. The results of Chi-square test showed significant association between age, ethnicity, course of study, family history of cervical cancer, knowledge on HPV infection and vaccination, and intention to receive HPV vaccination. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the predictors for intention to receive HPV vaccination were age group 18-20 years (AOR: 3.192, 95% CI 1.735, 5.875); medicine and nursing course students (AOR: 3.625, 95% CI 2.006, 6.552); moderate (AOR: 3.264, 95% CI 1.852, 5.753) and high knowledge level on HPV vaccination (AOR: 5.706, 95% CI 2.493, 13.062).

Conclusion: This study showed that the predictors for intention to receive HPV vaccination among female students were age, course of study and knowledge on HPV vaccination. Intervention programs can thus focus on the significant factors that improve intention for the uptake of HPV vaccination. 

Key Words: HPV vaccination, stages of intention, Transtheoretical theory