Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination and Adolescent Girls' Knowledge and Sexuality in Western Uganda: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on adolescent girls' knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, perception of sexual risk and intentions for sexual debut. This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Ibanda and Mbarara districts. Data was collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences computer software. Univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted with significance level set at p < .05. Results showed that HPV vaccination was associated with being knowledgeable (Crude OR: 5.26, CI: 2.32-11.93; p = 0.000). Vaccination against HPV did not predict perception of sexual risk. Knowledge was low (only 87/385 or 22.6% of vaccinated girls were knowledgeable), but predicted perception of a high sexual risk (Adjusted OR: 3.12, CI: 1.37-3.63; p = 0.008). HPV vaccination, knowledge and perceived sexual risk did not predict sexual behaviour intentions. High parental communication was associated with adolescent attitudes that support postponement of sexual debut in both bivariate and multiple regression analyses. In conclusion, findings of this study suggest that HPV vaccination is not likely to encourage adolescent sexual activity. Influence of knowledge on sexual behaviour intentions was not definitively explained. Prospective cohort studies were proposed to address the emerging questions.
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Andrew Kampikaho
AK
Turiho
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Wilson Winston
WW
Muhwezi
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Elialilia Sarikiaeli
ES
Okello
School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Nazarius Mbona
NM
Tumwesigye
Child Health and Development Center, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Cecil
C
Banura
Child Health and Development Center, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Anne Ruhweza
AR
Katahoire
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000523:psychology*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000276:immunology; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines