JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains the principal cause of cervical cancer, yet population-level awareness and knowledge in many Nigerian settings remain limited. Understanding the patterns and predictors of HPV awareness and knowledge is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s HPV vaccination rollout and reducing preventable cervical cancer morbidity.

Objective:

To describe respondents’ demographic characteristics; assess levels of awareness and knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine; examine associations between sociodemographic variables and awareness/knowledge; and identify independent predictors of HPV awareness and knowledge.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 238 caregivers of girls aged 9-14 years in Port Harcourt Local Government Area. Data on demographics, HPV awareness, knowledge indicators, and information sources were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess associations and predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

Respondents showed wide demographic diversity across age, religion, education, occupation, and income. Overall awareness of HPV was low (45.4%), and knowledge was predominantly poor (78.6%). Misconceptions were common, with many attributing HPV to poor hygiene or skin infections. Only 39.8% correctly identified sexual contact as the mode of transmission, and knowledge of vaccine dosage was inconsistent. Informal channels, religious institutions, social media, and family networks were the primary sources of information, whereas health workers accounted for only 8.3%. Most sociodemographic factors showed no significant association with awareness or knowledge, indicating widespread deficits across groups. Occupation was the only variable significantly associated with awareness (p = 0.011). Logistic regression showed higher odds of awareness among respondents aged 26-36 years (OR 2.26, p = 0.039) and lower odds among those practicing Traditional religion (OR 0.41, p = 0.033). Civil/public servants showed reduced odds of awareness (OR 0.44, p = 0.048).

Conclusions:

HPV awareness and knowledge are markedly low and broadly distributed across demographic groups. Widespread misconceptions reflect structural failures in health communication. Strengthen community-based and health worker-led HPV education; embed messaging within religious and social structures; and implement targeted, culturally adapted communication strategies to improve vaccine uptake. Significance Statement: Addressing pervasive knowledge gaps is vital for achieving effective HPV vaccination coverage and reducing cervical cancer burden in Nigeria.