Knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of human papilloma vaccination amongst primary school girls (9 years and above) in Minakulu Sub-County Oyam district

3^rd World Congress on Cancer Science & Therapy

October 21-23, 2013 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport, CA, USA

Namanya Vian Katagwa

Accepted Abstracts: J Cancer Sci Ther

Abstract :

Cervical cancer is a serious health concern in Uganda that 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 descriptive analytical study determines knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of HPV vaccination amongst primary school girls aged ≥9 years in Minakulu Sub County, Oyam district-Northern Uganda. Systematic sampling of 415 pupils and 5 purposively selected key informants was conducted using semi structured questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Directed content analysis of themes of transcribed qualitative data was conducted manually. Of the 415 respondents, majority 82.9% (n=344) would accept and recommend an HPV-vaccine, majority 57.6% (n=239) had not been vaccinated. 39.5% (n=64) were not sure of the site where the HPV vaccine is administered, 45.3% (n=188) believed it is harmful to the body, 29.9% (n=124) had never had of HPV vaccine. 9.6% (n=40) disagreed when asked whether cervical cancer affects only females while 9.2% (n=38) were not sure. There was generally limited knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine that requires massive community sensitization to improve on vaccine uptake amongst the targeted population.

Biography :

Namanya Vian Katagwahas completed fourth 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 has not yet published any papers but he has been invited for the European Cancer prevention Annual meeting in Belgium and also to publish his research in the European journal of Cancer prevention. He is currently a principal investigator with medical students research association.