Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescent Females in Embakasi West Sub-County, Kenya towards HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer

Article Sidebar

PDF
Published Jul 28, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.24248/eahrj.v10i1.871

Main Article Content

Wanjiru S Ng’ang’a
School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya;
Peter Omemoa
School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya;
Apollo O Maima
School of Pharmacy, Maseno University, Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya
Solomon K Cheboi
School of Health Science, Mama Ngina University College, Kiambu, Kenya; Department of Health Management and Health Informatics, Kenyatta university, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults to protect
against HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer. Knowledge and attitudes towards HPV and vaccine uptake
influence decision making and subsequent uptake. However, no published data currently exists on these factors in
Embakasi West Sub-County, Kenya.
Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of adolescent schoolgirls in Embakasi West Sub-County, Kenya
towards HPV and the HPV vaccine.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken among school-going adolescent girls in Embakasi West
Sub-County, Kenya using a self-administered questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data was
analysed using IBM SPSS version 29, with statistical significancy set at α =.05. Qualitative data was digitally recorded,
transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.
Results: The mean age of participants was 12.59 ± 1.15 years. School (56.9%), health workers (25.3%), and parents
(12.9%) were the prominent sources of information about HPV and the vaccine. More than half of the participants
(56.1%) had poor uptake of the HPV vaccine. Awareness of the HPV vaccine ((P<.001), knowledge of HPV susceptibility
(P=.041) , Knowledge of virus transmission ((P=.03), and beliefs regarding injection pain ((P=.008) were significantly
associated with vaccine uptake. Majority of the participants (74.7%) had good knowledge. Less than half (45.3%) had
a positive attitude towards HPV and the vaccine. Girls without awareness were about 4.7 times more likely to have poor
uptake compared to those with awareness (OR, 4.689 [95% CI, 1.905–11.543]; (P=.001).
Conclusion: Adolescent girls in Embakasi West Sub-County demonstrated generally good knowledge but predominantly
negative attitudes towards HPV and the HPV vaccine. Lack of awareness was a key predictor of poor vaccine uptake,
highlighting the importance of sustained health education. Strengthening school-based health education and promoting
parent–child and peer-to-peer communication may improve awareness, attitudes, and vaccine uptake

Article Details

Issue
Vol 10 No 1 (2026): East African Health Research Journal
Section
Original Articles