Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of human papilloma vaccination among primary school girls in Minakulu sub-county Northern Uganda

4^th International Conference on Vaccines & Vaccination

September 24-26, 2014 Valencia Convention Centre, Spain

Vian Namanya Katagwa

Accepted Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

C ervical cancer is a serious health concern in Uganda although it can be prevented by early Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination. Sound knowledge and positive attitudes highly influence acceptability and uptake as the vaccine becomes available. Acceptability studies are thus mandatory to highlight potential barriers and guide immunization policies. This cross sectional study determined knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of HPV vaccination amongst primary school girls aged 9 years and above in Minakulu Sub County, Northern Uganda. Systematic sampling of 415 pupils and 5 purposively selected key informant interviews were conducted using semi structured questionnaires and key informant checklist. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Directed content analysis of themes for qualitative data was conducted manually. Of the 415 respondents, majority 344(82.9%) would accept and recommend HPV vaccination; majority 239(57.6%) had not been vaccinated; 164(39.5%) were not sure of the site where the HPV vaccine was administered; 188(45.3%) believed it was harmful to the body; 124(29.9%) had never heard about HPV vaccination; 40(9.6%) disagreed that cervical cancer affects only females while 38(9.2%) were not sure. There was generally limited knowledge, good attitudes and high acceptability of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention among primary school girls in Minakulu- Northern Uganda and there was a great need for massive community sensitization to improve on vaccine uptake amongst the targeted population.

Biography :

Vian Namanya Katagwa is a final year Bachelor?s degree in Human Medicine and Surgery at Gulu University He also has 1 year-experience in community health, project management and rural research in Uganda at the age of 23. He is currently a principal investigator with Medical Students research association.