Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Human Papillomavirus among targeted students: A cross-sectional study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer, and the vaccine prevents such a catastrophic infection. In Ethiopia, despite the efforts of the ministry to avoid the disease, a limited evidence gap exists regarding adolescents’ use and KAP of the vaccine OBJECTIVE This research aims to assess school adolescents’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of human papilloma vaccine and associated factors in the State of Amhara, Ethiopia. METHODS An institution based cross-sectional study design was applied among school adolescents from September 25,2023 to October 25, 2023.Six hundred thirty-three students were selected using multistage sampling techniques. Four schools were selected randomly. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered tool using a form called Kobo Toolbox. SPSS Statistics version 22 was the software used to analyze the exported data. Factors were identified after the Logistic regression analysis model was applied to the data, and significant predictors were selected and reported using a scientifically accepted p-value. RESULTS 47.8% (95% CI: 43.8- 51.8) of the study subjects had adequate knowledge, 44.4% (95% CI: (40.4- 48.4) had positive attitudes, and 38% 95% CI: (34.2- 42.0) of the study participants had received HPV vaccination. In this study, age AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: (1.31-2.87), the father’s education AOR: 0.46; 95%CI: (0.29-0.72), mothers’ occupation AOR = 9.71; 95% CI: (3.21-29.4) were correlated with knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Mothers’ education (AOR=1.63; 95% CI (1.01-2.65), respondents’ education AOR=0.10; 95% CI (0.01-0.63), occupation AOR=0.15; 95% CI (0.05-0.49), and age of the respondents AOR= 3.16 (2.01-4.96) were also associated with the attitude toward the HPV vaccine. The practical use of the HPV vaccine was also associated with the age of respondents, AOR=8.35 (4.78-14.5), educational status, AOR=3.39 (1.59-7.22), and their mother's occupation, AOR=2.79 (1.55-5.02). CONCLUSIONS This study concluded that the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of the HPV vaccine among female primary school students was below 50%. The lack of information about the HPV vaccine was the main reason for the knowledge-related gaps in the participating students. To increase awareness and understanding of the virus, school authorities should create tailored health education and promotion programs focused on HPV in primary schools. All stakeholders should collaborate to improve the knowledge and attitudes toward HPV vaccination of female students through social behavior change or information-based interventions