Human Papilloma Virus Awareness and Uptake of HPV Vaccination among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Women in Nigeria

Background: The contribution of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to the etiology of cervical cancer is well established. Vaccination of at risk population is recommended best practice.

Aim: To determine the awareness of HPV and uptake of HPV vaccination among Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women attending the antiretroviral clinic.

Study Design: A cross sectional questionnaire based survey

Place and Duration of Study: Antiretroviral clinics in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between 21st October -21st of December 2014.

Methods: Questionnaire based survey of 162 HIV positive patients was conducted. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of HPV infection and previous uptake of HPV vaccination was collated and analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Data was presented as frequency, percentages and P< 0.05 set as significant.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.17±7.14 years. Fourteen percent (23) were aware of HPV causing cervical cancer with 10.4%(17) aware of the existence of HPV vaccination. None of the patients were ever vaccinated against HPV. The main reason for lack of uptake was non-availability of the HPV vaccine.

Conclusion: Awareness of HPV as a precursor of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine uptake among this high risk population is abysmally poor. There is an urgent need for more sensitization of this group of patients to embrace preventive strategies to reduce the scourge of cervical cancer while concerted efforts should be made to increase availability of vaccine.