Knowledge, Perceptions, Willingness, and Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Cervical Cancer Prevention among Female Undergraduates at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional study

Background Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm at the cervix and the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Globally, over 95% of cases are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, one of the most common sexually transmitted viral infections. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine as a proven preventive strategy, uptake remains suboptimal among young women in Nigeria. This study assesses the perception, willingness and actual use of the HPV vaccine among female undergraduates at the University of Ibadan and explores the barriers and facilitators influencing vaccination for cervical cancer prevention. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study guided by the Health Belief Model was conducted among 370 female undergraduate students residing in selected halls of residence at the University of Ibadan. Participants were selected using simple random sampling following sample size determination with Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics summarised sociodemographic characteristics and key study variables, while Pearson’s chi-square test examined associations between selected perceptions and HPV vaccine uptake at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The mean age of respondents was 21.8 ± 2.1 years. Awareness of the HPV vaccine was reported by 68.4% of participants; however, only 44.6% demonstrated good overall knowledge. While 61.4% perceived HPV infection as severe and 69.7% expressed willingness to receive the vaccine, only 7.8% had initiated HPV vaccination and 4.9% had completed the recommended doses. Major barriers to uptake included low perceived susceptibility, limited awareness, concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness, and cost. Healthcare provider recommendations emerged as the strongest facilitator. Perceived methods of cervical cancer prevention were significantly associated with HPV vaccine uptake (X ²  = 8.198, p = 0.004), whereas age and perceived severity of HPV infection were not. Conclusion Despite moderate knowledge and positive perceptions, HPV vaccination uptake among female undergraduates remains very low. Targeted health education addressing awareness and perceived susceptibility, along with improved accessibility and affordability of the vaccine, is essential to increase uptake and strengthen cervical cancer prevention among young women.