Factors Associated with HPV Vaccine Uptake among Girls Aged 9 - 14 in the Langue de Barbarie Area of Saint-Louis, Senegal in 2024

Introduction: The HPV vaccine was included in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in Senegal in 2018. However, vaccination coverage is still low among targeted girls. The aim of this research was to study the factors associated with vaccine uptake among girls aged 9 - 14 years in the Langue de Barbarie area of Saint-Louis, Senegal. Methodology: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. The sample size was calculated using the Schwartz formula and distributed proportionally to the size of the population in the neighborhoods. Data were collected from 2nd to 19th January 2024 from mothers or guardians of girls aged 9 to 14 using anonymous questionnaires configured on tablets with Survey 123 software and analysed using R software. Results: A total of 799 people were interviewed. The average age of the respondents was 35.67 years, with a standard deviation of 7.08 and a range of 17 and 49 years. Reported vaccination coverage was 41.9%. Factors positively correlated with vaccination included: attendance at primary school or daara (OR = 2.50 [CI: 1.43 - 4.48] and OR = 2.05 [CI: 1.09 - 3.94]), information about vaccination (OR = 6.64 [CI: 4.59 - 9.72]), history of cervical cancer screening among mothers or guardians (OR = 6.64 [CI: 4.59 - 9.72]). Conclusion: Identifying the factors associated with HPV vaccination is necessary to assess and improve the vaccination strategy in order to improve vaccination coverage among targeted girls.