Risk Perception and Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine among University Students in Jos, Plateau State

Abstract

Background: Human papilloma virus is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection globally. It is a well-established cause of cervical cancer and about 75% of sexually active women and men will acquire this infection at some time in life. This study assessed the risk perception of human papilloma virus infection and its vaccine uptake among university students in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 300 university students who were selected using a multistage sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to assess risk perception and vaccine uptake. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Associations between independent and dependent variables were determined using χ2 test while binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with risk perception, with significant value set at < 0.05.

Results: Respondents’ awareness of human papilloma virus infection and the vaccine was 148 (49.3%) and 62(20.7%) respectively. Ninety four (31.3%) students had good risk perception of the infection while 206 (68.7%) had poor perception. Three (1.0%) students had taken the vaccine with no statistically significant difference between health and social science students (p = 0.05). Health science students had 3 times better risk perception than social science students (OR = 3.42, 95% CI = 2.03 - 5.77; P< 0.001).

Conclusion: Human papilloma virus infection risk perception and vaccine uptake were poor among Jos University students. There is a need to improve the vaccine uptake through awareness creation and advocacy in Nigeria.