Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescents Towards Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Anambra State

Human papillomavirus vaccination is a critical preventive measure against cervical cancer, yet knowledge and acceptance among Nigerian adolescents remain suboptimal, limiting the potential impact of vaccination programmes. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of adolescents towards human papillomavirus vaccination in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 280 female students aged 10 to 19 years from junior and senior secondary schools in Awka, Nnewi, and Ogidi. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Frequency tables, percentages, and chi-square tests were applied in analysis. Findings showed that 53 percent of respondents had heard of human papillomavirus, but knowledge of its link to cervical cancer and the availability of a preventive vaccine was adequate in only 22 percent. Attitudinal barriers included fear of needles, parental objection, and religious concerns about vaccines. Adolescents who had been exposed to health education on cervical cancer through school nurses or health workers demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes towards vaccination. The study recommended school-based education campaigns that include parents in human papillomavirus vaccination sensitisation efforts and training of school health personnel to deliver accurate vaccine information. Keywords: human papillomavirus vaccination, knowledge, attitude, adolescents, Anambra State