Availability and Utilization of the Cervical Cancer (HPV) Vaccine among Reproductive-Age Women in KELGA, Rivers State

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Nigeria, despite the availability of an effective preventive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Uptake of the vaccine remains low in several communities, including Igwuruta, Omagwa, and Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area (KELGA), Rivers State, where health facility records and anecdotal evidence suggest continued presentation of advanced cervical disease that timely vaccination could have prevented. This study assessed the availability of the cervical cancer vaccine and its level of utilization among reproductive-age women attending immunization clinics in KELGA, and examined the relationship between these two constructs and overall vaccine acceptance. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted, and a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 325 reproductive-age women (15–49 years) selected through simple random sampling across three primary health centres, out of 379 questionnaires administered (85.5% response rate). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and the Chi-square test of independence, tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Results showed generally favourable perceptions of both availability (grand mean = 3.32) and utilization (grand mean = 3.31) of the vaccine. Chi-square analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between availability and acceptance (X² = 159.099, df = 1, p = .000) and between utilization and acceptance (X² = 125.294, df = 1, p = .000), leading to rejection of both null hypotheses. The study concludes that vaccine availability and utilization are significant determinants of acceptance in this population, though occasional stock shortages and lower rates of completing the full dosing schedule remain areas of concern. It is recommended that health authorities strengthen vaccine supply chain management and institute structured follow-up systems to support full dose completion, thereby improving overall cervical cancer vaccine acceptance and coverage in similar community settings.