Seroprevalence of the Human Papillomavirus IgG Antibodies and the Associated Factors Among Female Adolescents in Gombe, North-Eastern Nigeria: A Pre-Vaccine Roll-Out Survey

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination before sexual debut offers the best protection against cervical cancer. Baseline seroprevalence data are needed to guide the timing of vaccination programmes.

Objectives: To determine the HPV IgG antibody seroprevalence and identify associated factors among Nigerian female secondary school adolescents.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 384 female adolescents aged 10–19 years were recruited by multistage sampling from secondary schools in Gombe Local Government Area between January and June 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to capture socio-demographic and risk factor data. Serum samples were tested for HPV IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The overall HPV IgG antibody seroprevalence was 9.4% (36/384). No seropositive participant was found in the 10–13 years old group (0/72) compared to 22.3% (23/103) among 17–19 years olds (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age 17–19 years ([AOR] = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.18–6.01) and history of sexual activity (AOR = 19.05; 95% CI: 5.22–69.54) were independent predictors of seropositivity.

Conclusion: HPV IgG seronegativity was universal in the early adolescence group, while seropositivity increased markedly in late adolescence. These findings support the rationale for prioritising girls younger than 14 years in Nigeria’s national HPV vaccination programme, as vaccination before natural HPV exposure offers the greatest preventive effectiveness.