Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents towards HPV immunization of girl children aged 9 - 13 years at OPD in Kawaala health center IV, Kampala district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/yxrta633Keywords:
Level of knowledge, Attitudes towards HPV vaccination, Girls aged 9–13 years, Cervical cancer, HPV severity, practices towards HPV immunizationAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents towards HPV immunization of girls aged 9 - 13 years at OPD in Kawaala Health Center IV, Kampala district.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the OPD of Kawaala Health Centre IV in Kampala among parents or guardians of girls aged 9–13 years. Sample size was calculated using the Kish and Leslie (1965) formula (n=367), but due to limited resources, 92 participants were recruited. Purposive sampling was used. Data were collected through interviews using questionnaires, analyzed in Excel, and presented in tables and percentages. Ethical approval, informed consent, confidentiality, and pre-testing ensured quality and ethical compliance.
Results:
Among 92 parents attending OPD at Kawaala Health Center IV, 40 (43.5%) had primary education and 39 (42.4%) secondary education. Almost half, 45 (48.9%), believed HPV vaccination is important, while 40 (43.5%) disagreed. Most respondents, 77 (83.7%), heard about the vaccine from health centers. However, 63 (68.5%) had never actively searched for cancer prevention information. Regarding perceived severity, 53 (57.6%) considered HPV infection somewhat serious and 34 (37%) very serious. Although 77 (83.7%) had attended HPV education sessions, 45 (48.9%) were unsure whether the benefits outweighed the risks. Attitudinally, 42 (45.7%) believed vaccination protects against sexually transmitted infections, while 48 (52.2%) feared it might influence sexual behavior. Most children, 64 (69.6%), were already vaccinated, mainly through school programs, 72 (78.3%). Key barriers included distance to health centers 38, 41.3%), limited knowledge 30 (32.6%), and concerns about unknown side effects 30 (32.6%).
Conclusion:
Limited parental knowledge, safety fears, misinformation, and social barriers negatively influence attitudes and practices toward HPV vaccination.
Recommendation:
Health workers should intensify routine health education at OPD, clarifying HPV vaccination benefits and safety, and addressing common misconceptions such as fears about sexual behavior.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Catherine Nakasujja, Ms. Hasifa Nansereko, Francisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu (Author)
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