HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE UPTAKE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS ATTENDING HIGH SCHOOLS IN MEKELLE CITY, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2025.

Abstract

Introduction: In many developing nations, including Ethiopia, cervical cancer is one of the top leading causes of cancer deaths in women, primarily driven by Human papillomavirus infection.To combat this, the WHO recommends Human papillomavirus vaccination for girls aged 9–14, and Ethiopia launched its national HPV vaccination program for eligible girls in 2018. However, data on vaccination uptake and its associated factors remain scarce, especially in the study area. Thus, this study aims to assess Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake and associated factors among adolescent girls in high schools in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2025. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, gathering data from 435 adolescent girls who were chosen through systematic random sampling. A pretested, structured selfadministered questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were entered into Epi Info version 3.1 and then transferred to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Binary logistic regression wasperformed, and variables with a p-value below 0.20 were included in a multivariable logistic regression model, where statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05. The model's fit was assessed using the Hosmer-Leme show goodness-of-fit test. Findings were presented through text, tables, and figures. Result: Of the 435 participants, 65.1% had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Factors significantly associated with HPV vaccination uptake were membership in a school HIV/AIDS club (AOR = 2.152, 95% CI: 1.314–3.527, p = 0.002), the presence of awarenesscreation (AOR = 1.948, 95% CI: 1.215–3.122, p = 0.006), having good knowledge (AOR = 2.877, 95% CI: 1.817–4.556, p < 0.001), and positive attitude (AOR = 2.209, 95% CI: 1.403–3.477, p < 0.001). Conclusion and recommendation: The study found that the majority of participants had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Factors associated with vaccine uptake were membership in a school-based HIV/AIDS club, exposure to HPV awareness campaigns, and possessing good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward the vaccine. Therefore, in addition to empowering HIV/AIDS clubs at school, school-based sessions should be made to enhance knowledge, attitude and awareness so as to address the associated factors and to enhance vaccination uptake.