Adegoke Musa Olatunji

CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION Fig. 1: Age of the respondents The age distribution data reveals a predominantly young population, with a significant majority (58%) falling within the 20-24 age range. This suggests that the population is likely comprised of individuals in their early adulthood, possibly students or young professionals. Additionally, over a third (36.4%) of the population are between 15-19 years old, indicating a substantial presence of teenagers. This could imply that the population is likely influenced by factors related to education, socialization, and transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. In contrast, individuals between 25-29 years old constitute a relatively small fraction (5.7%) of the population. This suggests that the population may not have a significant presence of established professionals or individuals in their mid-to-late twenties. Fig. 2: Department of the Respondents The student body is predominantly composed of Community Health Technology (CHT) students, accounting for 84.1% (74 students) of the total population. This suggests that CHT is the most popular program, likely due to its relevance to the healthcare needs of the community. Pharmacy students make up a smaller but significant proportion, representing 6.8% (6 students) of the total. Public Health students constitute 5.7% (5 students), indicating a notable interest in preventive healthcare. Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) students form the smallest group, comprising 3.4% (3 students) of the total. This distribution may reflect varying factors, such as program availability, faculty expertise, or job market demand. Fig. 3: Level of the respondents The student population is predominantly comprised of National Diploma (ND) students, with 41 students (46.6%) in their first year (ND1) and 44 students (50%) in their second year (ND2). This indicates a strong foundation of undergraduate students. In contrast, Higher National Diploma (HND) students make up a smaller proportion of the population, with only 1 student (1.1%) in HND1 and 2 students (2.3%) in HND2. This distribution highlights the institution's focus on undergraduate education, with a significant majority of students enrolled in ND programs. The student body at Babalola College of Health Technology is predominantly Christian, with an overwhelming 84.1% (74 students) identifying as followers of Christianity. This suggests a strong Christian presence and potential influence on campus culture. Islam is represented by a significant minority of 14.8% (13 students), indicating a notable presence of Muslim students. A lone student, accounting for 1.1%, identifies with another faith or belief system, adding a touch of diversity to the institution's religious landscape. This religious distribution provides valuable insights into the students' backgrounds and potential campus dynamics. The ethnic distribution of students at Babalola Academy College of Health Technology reveals a predominantly Yoruba population, with 64.8% (57 students) identifying as Yoruba. The Igbo and Hausa ethnic groups are represented by smaller proportions, at 5.7% (5 students) and 2.3% (2 students), respectively. A significant proportion, 27.3% (24 students), identify with other ethnic groups, indicating a notable diversity beyond the three main ethnic groups in Nigeria. This ethnic distribution highlights the institution's cultural landscape and potential for intercultural exchange. Table 1: Knowledge about HPV Vaccine A Items Yes No 6 Have you heard about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine?- Are you aware that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection?- Do you know that HPV can lead to cervical cancer?- Have you ever received any information on the HPV vaccine from healthcare providers?- Do you know that the HPV vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer?- Have you been taught about HPV and its vaccine in your college?- Do you believe that the HPV vaccine is necessary for all female students?- Table 1 reveals a promising level of awareness among female students at Babalola Academy College of Health Technology regarding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. A significant majority (81.8%) have heard about the vaccine, while 80.7% understand that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. Furthermore, 79.5% recognize the link between HPV and cervical cancer. However, gaps in knowledge persist. Approximately one-fifth of students (18.2-20.5%) remain uninformed about the vaccine's existence, HPV's transmission, or its connection to cervical cancer. Notably, 23.9% have not received information from healthcare providers. Encouragingly, 93.2% of students believe the HPV vaccine is necessary for all female students, indicating strong support. Education and information dissemination play crucial roles, with 71.6% having learned about HPV and its vaccine in college and 76.1% receiving information from healthcare providers. Table 2: Perceived Risks of HPV Vaccine B Items Yes No 13 Do you believe the HPV vaccine has serious side effects?- Are you concerned that the HPV vaccine may cause infertility?- Do you think the HPV vaccine can lead to long-term health problems?- Do you have concerns about the safety of the HPV vaccine?- Do you think the benefits of the HPV vaccine outweigh the risks?- Would concerns about the risks of the vaccine stop you from getting it?- Table 2 reveals that female students at Babalola College of Health Technology harbor significant concerns regarding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine's safety and potential risks. A substantial majority (85.2%) express concerns about the vaccine's safety, with 64.8% believing it has serious side effects. Additionally, 59.1% worry about potential infertility, and exactly half (50%) fear long-term health problems. However, 59.1% of students recognize that the benefits of the HPV vaccine outweigh its risks. Encouragingly, 53.4% indicate that concerns would not stop them from getting vaccinated. Despite these positive sentiments, gaps in confidence persist. Approximately 40.9% remain unsure if benefits outweigh risks, while 46.6% might be deterred by concerns. Table 3: Factors Influencing HPV Vaccine Uptake C. Items Yes No 19 Have you been vaccinated against HPV? - Is cost a major factor preventing you from getting the HPV vaccine?- Would you be willing to get the HPV vaccine if it was free?- Does your cultural or religious belief discourage you from getting vaccinated?- Are you influenced by the opinions of your peers regarding HPV vaccination?- Do you believe that only sexually active women need the HPV vaccine?- Would your parents or guardians support you getting the HPV vaccine?- Tables shows significant factors influencing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among female students at Babalola College of Health Technology. Only about half (51.1%) of the students have received the HPV vaccine, while 48.9% remain unvaccinated. A staggering 65.9% cite cost as a major obstacle to vaccination. However, the prospect of free vaccination dramatically shifts attitudes, with 77.3% willing to get vaccinated if costs were eliminated. Cultural and religious beliefs discourage 28.4% of students from getting vaccinated. Moreover, 38.6% are swayed by peer opinions regarding HPV vaccination. Notably, 48.9% mistakenly believe the vaccine is exclusively necessary for sexually active women. Encouragingly, a substantial 81.8% of students receive support from parents or guardians, highlighting the crucial role of family backing in vaccination decisions. Summary of the Findings The study on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness and uptake among female students at Babalola Academy College of Health Technology reveals significant insights. i. Knowledge levels indicate a promising foundation, with 81.8% aware of the HPV vaccine's existence, 80.7% understanding its sexual transmission, and 79.5% recognizing its link to cervical cancer. However, gaps persist regarding vaccine effectiveness. ii. Concerns about safety and side effects are prevalent, with 64.8% worried about serious side effects, 59.1% fearing infertility, and 50% concerned about long-term health problems. iii. Cost emerges as a critical barrier to vaccine uptake, cited by 65.9% of students. Cultural and religious beliefs (28.4%), peer opinions (38.6%), and misconceptions about vaccine necessity (48.9%) also influence decision-making. iv. Despite these challenges, 51.1% of students have received the HPV vaccine. Notably, 77.3% would get vaccinated if it were free, highlighting the potential impact of cost-reduction strategies. v. Parental support plays a vital role, with 81.8% of students receiving encouragement from their guardians. Recommendation To enhance HPV vaccine awareness and uptake, the study recommends: i. Targeted education to address knowledge gaps. ii. Evidence-based information to alleviate safety concerns. iii. Cost-reduction initiatives. iv. Parental and peer engagement in vaccination promotion. v. Addressing cultural and social misconceptions.