Assessment of knowledge and attitude towards human papilloma virus vaccination and associated factors among high school female students in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Institution based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and is mainly linked to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the most widespread virus affecting the reproductive tract. The peak period for infection occurs shortly after the onset of sexual activity for both men and women. Although penetrative intercourse is not necessary for HPV transmission, it is classified as a sexually transmitted infection. Genital contact between skin cells is a well-known mechanism for transmission.

Methodology: A facility based cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. After checking responses for accuracy and completeness, data were entered into EpiData 4.6.0.2 and analyzed in SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized dependent and independent variables. Variables with a p-value <0.25 in bivariate logistic regression were included in the initial model, and significance in multivariate analysis was set at p<0.05 with 95%

confidence intervals.

Results: The findings indicated that 204 (58.3%) of the female high school students had good knowledge about HPV vaccination. In multivariate analyses, students whose fathers could read and write were approximately 3.45 times more likely to have good knowledge about HPV vaccination compared to those whose fathers could not read and write (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: (1.26-9.47)). Regarding attitudes, 184 (52.6%) exhibited a favorable attitude toward HPV vaccination. Students who received health education on HPV vaccination were about 2.08 times

more likely to have a positive attitude compared to those who did not receive such education (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: (1.06-3.45)).

Conclusion: The study reveals a relatively high level of knowledge and an average level of attitude toward HPV vaccination among respondents. There remain opportunities for further education, advocacy, and support to enhance both knowledge and attitudes.