Barriers and Facilitators Influencing HPV Vaccine Uptake Among Caregivers of Females Aged 9-14 Years in Taraba State of Nigeria

Abstract

HPV infection is highly prevalent among Nigerian women, especially those of reproductive age. This study aimed to assesses the socio-demographic characteristics, awareness levels, barriers, and facilitators influencing HPV vaccine uptake in Taraba State, Nigeria. Data was collected from participants using a structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, vaccine uptake, and various influencing factors such as cultural beliefs, healthcare access, and parental awareness on HPV vaccine uptake. The findings reveal that females, predominantly aged 18-30, constituted the majority of respondents, with 62.8% having tertiary education. High awareness of the HPV vaccine was observed in 41.5% of respondents, but significant gaps remain, with 36.0% demonstrating low awareness. Key barriers identified include cultural beliefs (52.0%), misconceptions (36.3%), and limited vaccine accessibility (34.3%), while safety concerns and cost also hinder uptake. However, facilitators such as free/subsidized vaccination programs (79.3%), increased education and awareness (86.3%), involvement of community leaders (93.3%), and school-based vaccination initiatives (92.5%) were highly reported. The study shows the importance of targeted health education campaigns, increases vaccination centers, and infrastructure improvements to address these barriers and strengthen identified facilitators.