Knowledge of HPV and Willingness to accept HPV Vaccine among HCW in a tertiary health facility in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Abstract Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other malignancies. Despite an effective vaccine, uptake remains low in regions like Nigeria. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are key in promoting vaccination, and their knowledge and attitudes influence vaccine acceptance. Objective: This study assessed HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptance among HCWs at a tertiary health facility in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and barriers to acceptance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. A stratified random sample of 242 participants, including doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists, completed a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at pResults: Among participants, 92.6% had heard of HPV, with a moderate knowledge score (mean 9.81±4.99 out of 21). Vaccine acceptability had a mean score of 2.39±3.80 out of 8. While 72.7% agreed on the necessity of vaccinating girls, only 50.0% supported vaccinating boys. The main reasons for vaccination were protection against genital cancer (67.8%) and safeguarding future sexual partners (40.9%). Vaccine hesitancy was primarily due to fear of adverse effects (14.9%) and insufficient information (7.4%). A positive correlation (r=0.475, p=0.000) was found between HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: HCWs in Abakaliki show moderate knowledge of HPV and a willingness to accept the vaccine, especially with medical recommendation. However, concerns about vaccine safety and lack of information are barriers. Educational interventions targeting HCWs are crucial to enhancing HPV vaccine uptake and reducing HPV-related disease burdens.