Peer-reviewed article
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake and its Determinants among Parents of Adolescent Girls in Tanga city, Tanzania.
Meshack Morice, Mangilo Aboubakar Cedric, Jackton Abesiga Mushendwa, Munira Aliraza Gulamhussein, Amina Killo Lussewa et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined why some parents in Tanga City, Tanzania vaccinate their daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) and why others don't. Researchers surveyed 409 parents and found that 57% had their daughters vaccinated. School-based vaccination programmes were most effective, while younger parents and those living near vaccination clinics were less likely to vaccinate. The findings suggest that improving access through schools and engaging parents more effectively could increase vaccination rates in Tanzania.
Key points
- HPV vaccine uptake in Tanga City was 57.2%, below the national and global target of 90%
- School-based vaccination was the strongest predictor of uptake (AOR = 10.275), increasing acceptance significantly
- Parental age under 30 years was associated with lower uptake (AOR = 0.411)
- Living within 5 km of a vaccination point was unexpectedly associated with lower uptake (AOR = 0.478)
- Parental knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare worker recommendations showed no significant association with uptake in the final analysis
Limitations
This cross-sectional study shows associations but cannot determine causation, and the findings are specific to Tanga City and may not represent other regions of Tanzania. The study does not explain why proximity to vaccination points was associated with lower uptake or explore the underlying reasons for parental hesitancy in depth.
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer, a major public health challenge in Tanzania. National and global efforts continue to prioritise HPV vaccination; however, coverage remains suboptimal. In Tanga City, no prior data exists on HPV vaccine uptake. This study assesses HPV vaccine uptake and factors influencing parental acceptance among girls aged 9-14 years. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 parents or guardians selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics determined uptake, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of HPV vaccine uptake, with significance set at p < 0.05. HPV vaccine uptake was 57.2%. Parental age < 30 years (AOR = 0.411; 95% CI: 0.221-0.765), secondary education (AOR = 0.340; 95% CI: 0.124-0.930) and living within 5 km of a vaccination point (AOR = 0.478; 95% CI: 0.246-0.929), were associated with lower uptake, while being married and school-based vaccination increased uptake (AOR = 2.898; 95% CI: 1.723-4.876; AOR = 10.275; 95% CI: 5.518-19.133). Knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare worker recommendation showed no significant association in the multivariate model. HPV vaccine uptake in Tanga remains below national and global targets (90%). Parental demographics, access-related factors, and school-based delivery play a central role in uptake. Strengthening school-based vaccination, enhancing parent engagement, particularly among younger and more educated parents, and addressing contextual barriers may improve coverage and contribute to cervical cancer prevention efforts in Tanzania.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- HPV vaccination programmes, including both school-based and clinic-based delivery approaches
- Population
- Parents or guardians of girls aged 9-14 years in Tanga City, Tanzania (n=409)
Key finding
Overall HPV vaccine uptake was 57.2%, below the 90% national and global target
Morice et al. · PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) · 7 Jan 2026