Sociodemographic determinants of fathers´ acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine of adolescent girls in Kesses (rural) and Kapseret (urban), Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection preventable through vaccination, ideally administered to adolescent girls before sexual debut to reduce HPV-related cancers. In Kenya, parental consent is crucial, with fathers playing a pivotal role as household decision-makers. Despite their importance, fathers' acceptance of the HPV vaccine remains under-researched, as most studies focus on mothers. This study sought to address this gap by investigating the socio-demographic factors influencing fathers' acceptance of HPV vaccination for their daughters.

Methods: between January and February 2024, data were collected from 375 fathers of adolescent girls (aged 10-19 years) through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews with 9 fathers and key informant interviews with 8 community health promoters (CHPs), public health officers (PHOs), and community health promoters (CHPs). Data was analyzed in SPSS version 27. Significant variables from bivariate analysis were included in a logistic regression model to identify predictors, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Qualitative data was recorded and transcribed, and key themes were identified.

Results: the study revealed low HPV vaccine acceptance among fathers, with only 36.8% of their daughters vaccinated; most of the respondents reached a secondary level of education and above (53.6%) and were married (97.6%). Employed fathers (both self and formal) (AOR: 2.525, 95%CI: 1.038,6.1472) and geographical location (AOR: 0.359, 95%CI: 0.230,0.562) were significant predictors.

Conclusion: the study found that fathers' HPV vaccine acceptance for their daughters was very low. Public health awareness of HPV vaccines should be increased and tailored to be all-inclusive so that fathers can relate and make informed decisions.