An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 12

Cervical cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary etiological factor. Although effective vaccines are available and Nigeria commenced national HPV vaccination in 2023, uptake among older adolescents and young adults, particularly university students, remains suboptimal. This study assessed the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of HPV vaccination among female medical sciences students at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 female undergraduate students selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise variables, while associations were assessed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Variables significant at bivariate analysis were entered into a binary logistic regression model to identify independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean age of participants was 20.8 ± 2.8 years. HPV vaccination initiation (≥1 dose) was 21.0%, while only 9.8% had completed the three-dose series. Among vaccinated respondents, 84.4% initiated vaccination during the catch-up age range (15–26 years), and 45.7% completed all three doses. The most common vaccination site was school or university health services (44.4%). 64.0% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of HPV infection; however, only 38.3% demonstrated adequate knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Factors significantly associated with vaccination initiation included age group, level of study, sexual activity, HPV vaccine knowledge, and willingness to pay (p < 0.05).

On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of vaccination were final-year status (aOR = 8.94; 95% CI: 3.21–24.91), good HPV vaccine knowledge (aOR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.89–11.02), and sexual activity (aOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.21–6.80).

Among unvaccinated participants, major barriers included cost (45.0%), low perceived risk (40.2%), uncertainty about access (30.2%), and lack of awareness (22.5%). HPV vaccination uptake among female medical sciences students in this setting is low, with delayed initiation and suboptimal completion rates. Vaccine knowledge, academic level, and perceived risk significantly influence uptake. Targeted interventions—including subsidised vaccination, campus-based delivery strategies, and strengthened health education—are urgently needed to improve coverage among young adults and support national cervical cancer prevention efforts.