TITLE:
Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Acceptability and Its Associated Factors among Mothers of Female Children 9 - 14 Years in Ndola District of Zambia
AUTHORS:
Diana K. Mwaba, Shepherd Khondowe, Victor Daka, Priscilla Mwanza, Christina Chisanga, Hope Kalasa, Michael Nambozi
KEYWORDS:
Human Papillomavirus, Cervical Cancer, Vaccine Acceptability, Zambia
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: Zambia has the second-highest incidence of HPV-related cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, with a rate of 53.7 per 100,000 women, despite the availability of prophylactic HPV vaccines targeting HPV types 16 and 18. As parental consent is often required for adolescent vaccinations, understanding the factors influencing parental acceptance is essential. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and its associated factors among mothers of female children aged 9 - 14 years in Ndola, Zambia. This cross-sectional survey involved 350 mothers from selected townships in Ndola District and utilized multivariable logistic regression to analyze data. The findings revealed an HPV vaccine acceptability rate of 61.8%. Key factors influencing vaccine acceptance included knowledge of HPV, occupational status, and alcohol consumption. Mothers who had knowledge of HPV were 2.41 times more likely to accept vaccination for their daughters [AOR 2.41 (95% CI: 1.63 - 3.62)]. Employment status also played a significant role, with employed mothers being 1.47 times more likely to accept the vaccine [AOR 1.47 (95% CI: 1.02 - 2.13)]. Additionally, mothers who did not consume alcohol were 1.81 times more likely to accept the vaccine for their daughters [AOR 1.81 (95% CI: 1.22 - 2.66)]. We conclude that the HPV vaccine acceptability rate in Ndola, Zambia, remains suboptimal. This underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as public health campaigns and educational programs, to improve HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptance, particularly among specific demographic groups. Enhancing understanding of the HPV vaccine’s benefits could contribute to reducing the high burden of cervical cancer in Zambia.