Evaluation Of Impact Of Awareness/Knowledge Of Hpv And Vaccination Acceptance Among Adolescents In High School

Research Article
Faith Chinaemerem. Diorgu and Atuokiki Odichi. Diorgu
DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.2019.1003.3296
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
Awareness, Knowledge, HPV infection, HPV Vaccinnation
Abstract: 

Introduction: Many studies associate HPV vaccination acceptability to positive and adequate information regarding HPV and its importance. In response to other studies suggesting that knowledge may increase HPV vaccination, it has been argued that it is at least important to increase awareness. This study investigated the potential influence of awareness and knowledge of HPV on thewillingness to accept immunization against HPV infection because, there has been widespread interest in its role, and its association has been unclear. Method: A cross- sectional descriptive study of 648 teenagers attending High School in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Four High Schools situated in Port Harcourt Urban city were selected. Data was collected between the month of March to May, 2018. Proper PowerPoint health talk on HPV infection and HPV vaccination was given for 20 minutes, and at the end, the second (post health talk) questionnaire was given. The study focused on two parts, the first explored knowledge and awareness and the second evaluated how well the participants retained the knowledge and their willingness to receive the vaccine if given the opportunity. Results: Before the health talk, the awareness/ knowledge of HPV infection and HPV vaccination were both low , n- 632 (98%,), and n- 636 ( 98%) respectively. The result suggest that the health talk helped majority of the respondents 98% (n – 640) to understand the importance of HPV and vaccination. Thus, most of the respondents 92% (n – 596) are willing to take the HPV vaccination if given the opportunity.