TY  - JOUR
T1  - Awareness about Human Papillomavirus as a Risk Factor for Cervical
Cancer Occurrences by Female Nigerian Undergraduates
AU - Ugwu, Uchenna Cosmas AU - Sa’aku, Blessing Edward AU - Omaka-Amari, Lois Nnenna AU - Agu, Michael Anene AU - Ugwu, Ukamaka Perpetua 
JO  - Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
VL  - 14
IS  - 12
SP  - 4231
EP  - 4234
PY  - 2019
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1816-949x
DO  - jeasci.2019.4231.4234
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=jeasci.2019.4231.4234
KW  - Human papillomavirus
KW  -cervical cancer
KW  -risk factor
KW  -awareness
KW  -females
KW  -Nigerian undergraduates
AB  - Human Papilloma Virus HPV is a major aetiological agent causing Cervical Cancer CCa with very high
mortality rate, particularly, in developing regions. This study investigated the status of awareness about HPV
as a risk factor for CCa occurrences by female Nigerian undergraduates and further verified the null hypothesis
of no significant differences within variables. The study was based on descriptive research approach and was
conducted in five universities in Southeast part of Nigeria from November 2017 to April 2018. A sample size of
420 female undergraduates was studied. The participants, aged 15-26 years were on regular undergraduate
programme. The questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. Statistical Package for Social
Science Version 21 was used for data analysis. Overall, 420 female Nigerian undergraduates received a copy
of the questionnaire. Of them, a total of 400 (96%) copies were properly completed and used for data analysis.
Majority of the participants were from Faculty of Education 200 (50%), aged 20-24 years 240 (60%) and
christians 280 (70%). About 100 (25%) participants indicated been in their second year of study. Only few
participants (35%) were aware about HPV as a risk factor for CCa while majority (65%) were not. The
participant’s status of awareness varied within variables. A statistically significant difference was observed
with regards to faculty, age and year of study (p>0.05) while none existed on religion (p<0.05). There was
definite lack of awareness about HPV as a risk factor for CCa by the female undergraduates and thus, might
adversely affect HPV vaccine acceptance. The Federal government in collaboration with all the health
sectors as well as non-government organisations should increase efforts on public health awareness and
enlightenment HPV and its vaccine acceptance.
ER  -