Awareness and Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Undergraduate Students in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the second leading malignancy affecting women worldwide. Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination protects against developing cervical cancer. The study was designed to determine the awareness and uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical screening among female undergraduates in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Multistage sampling was used to select 400 female undergraduate students that completed a self administered structured questionnaire on uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical screening.

Results: Most were 18 years and above (91%), single (98%) and Yoruba (81%). Sixty-nine percent were aware of cervical screening while only 2% had been screened previously. None of the respondents knew that sexual exposure to HPV could result in cancer of cervix while none had been vaccinated against HPV.

Conclusion: Cervical cancer screening is unacceptably low among respondents. It is necessary to increase awareness and uptake of HPV and cervical screening among the study population

Keywords: HPV vaccination; cervical screening; female undergraduates; Nigeria