Sociodemographic correlates of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of HPV infection and vaccination among fathers in an urban area of Lagos State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection linked to several preventable cancers in both males and females. Fathers play key roles in family health decisions, including HPV vaccination uptake. This study assessed sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding HPV infection and vaccination among fathers in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 338 fathers of adolescents selected using a multistage sampling. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 23. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions scores were graded as percentages and categorised as good or poor, with 50% as the cut-off. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used at 5% significance level.

Results: The mean age was 51.7 ± 7.9 years. Less than half (46.8%) had good knowledge, while the majority had poor attitudes (78%) and poor perceptions (82%) regarding the HPV vaccine. Multivariable analysis showed that fathers aged 61–70 years had higher odds of good knowledge (aOR=5.49; p=0.021), while those aged 41–50 years had better perception (aOR=22.05; p=0.007). Secondary education predicted good knowledge (aOR=3.56; p=0.004) and good attitude (aOR=11.89; p<0.001). Unmarried fathers had lower odds of a good attitude (aOR=0.24; p=0.019) and perception (aOR=0.06; p=0.012). Manual workers were more likely to have good attitudes (aOR=23.43; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Fathers demonstrated poor knowledge and attitudes toward HPV vaccination, influenced by age, education, and marital status. Targeted educational interventions are needed to address misconceptions and improve vaccine acceptance.