Factors associated with uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine among adolescent girls: A cross sectional survey on insights into HPV Infection Prevention in Kabarole District, Western Uganda.

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection imposes a substantial global disease burden and represents a critical public health concern. The persistently low uptake of HPV vaccination poses a significant obstacle to reducing cervical cancer incidence, particularly in remote rural areas of developing nations.

Objective: This study aims to assess the extent of Human papilloma virus vaccine coverage among adolescents and explore the associated determinants to facilitate enhanced planning strategies within the Kabarole district.

Methodology: Employing a cross-sectional survey approach, data were gathered from 240 adolescent girls residing in the Kabarole district between 01/09/2022 and 18/10/2022. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the relationships between HPV vaccination uptake and various independent variables, including demographics, HPV knowledge, and health system factors.

Results: Of the 240 adolescents enrolled, the overall prevalence of uptake of HPV vaccination was 63%. The uptake of human papilloma was associated with demographics knowledge about HPV and health systems factors. The multivariate analysis showed that parents who completed secondary level of education were 4.1 times more likely to take their children for HPV vaccination compared to parents whose education level was primary or had no formal education (AOR = 4.06; 95%CI (1.69 - 6.87); p = 0.004). Distance from home to facility was associated with uptake HPV vaccination. Participants who came from the distance of more than 5 km were 60% less likely to uptake HPV vaccination compared to those who come from 5km or less (OR = 0.4; 95%CI (0.34 - 0.89); p = 0.006). Results further revealed that parents whose knowledge about HPV vaccination was moderate were three times more likely to take up HPV vaccine compared to those whose knowledge was low (OR =  2.99; 95%CI(1.14 - 7.87); p = 0.026).

Conclusion: HPV vaccination uptake was at 63% and relatively lower than national average. Education of parents, Knowledge of HPV vaccination and distance to facility were factors significantly associated with uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine.