Submission ID 131481
| Issue/Objective | Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a preventable yet persistent public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Despite the introduction of a national school-based HPV vaccination program, coverage remains inconsistent due to inequities in access, limited awareness, and variability in local implementation. In Central Ethiopia, evidence on HPV vaccination status and its determinants among adolescent girls is limited, hindering targeted and equitable interventions. This study aims to assess HPV vaccination status and identify associated factors among adolescent girls using a mixed cross-sectional design, generating context-specific evidence to inform strategies that improve equitable access, strengthen health system performance, and enhance program implementation. |
|---|---|
| Methodology/Approach | A mixed cross-sectional study among 633 adolescent girls and five group discussions were conducted from June 5, 2025, to January 9, 2026. Participants were selected by using the simple random sampling and purposive sampling method for the qualitative study. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were done to identify factors associated with human Papilloma virus vaccination status. A thematic analysis was done to analyze the qualitative data. |
| Results | A total of 609 respondents participated in the study, with response rate of 96.2%. The prevalence of human papillomavirus vaccination status was 64.9%. Good knowledge (AOR = 3.54; 95% CI: 2.12-5.19), school-based vaccination program (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.93-4.77), parental encouragement (AOR = 4.94; 95% CI: 2.91-7.89), friends encouragement (AOR = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.11-6.33), and health workers recommendations (AOR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.79-6.02) were significantly associated with human papilloma virus vaccination status. Qualitative findings supported these results, school-based vaccination reduced logistical barriers, while family support, positive peer influence, and vaccine availability facilitated vaccination status. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Human papillomavirus vaccination status among adolescent girls in the study area remains below Ethiopia's national targets. Vaccine-related knowledge, parental and peer support, school-based vaccination programs, and health worker recommendations were key factors of vaccination status. Strengthening school-based delivery, improving adolescents' knowledge, and engaging families and peers are essential to increase coverage and achieve the national and global goal of 90% vaccination coverage by age 15. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Shukulo Melese Gabure Dr.Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital Shukulo Melese Gabure Dr.Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital Addisu Girma Dr.Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital |
