Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Awareness and Vaccination History in Patients Attending STI Clinics in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

HPV is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease in both men and women worldwide. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This study provided information on the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine awareness and vaccination history in relation to the level of antibodies to (HPV) in the population at risk in Nigeria. Patients attending STI clinics at Lagos and Ibadan were recruited and informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Using semi structured questionnaire, vaccination history, demography and past experiences of the patients were obtained. Whole blood samples were obtained and the sera screened for specific antibodies to HPV using ELISA test kits for determination of IgG to HPV by DIA PRO Diagnostic Bioprobes Milano-Italy according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Of the170 samples analysed 50 (29.4%) samples were positive for HPV. Thirty (17.6%) were from females and 20 (11.7%) of them were males. Thirty-five (35%) of the 100 women participants were aware of HPV vaccine. 15(15%) women did not take the vaccine because they did not know where to get it while 20 (20%) of them could not afford it. It was also noted that there is higher prevalence among the middle-aged women. A high prevalence of HPV antibodies was observed in the study yet none of the participants had received the HPV vaccine thus the antibodies may be from infection. Implication is that the 30 women who tested positive for the HPV antibodies may be at risk of cervical cancer.