Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake and its Determinants among Parents of Adolescent Girls in Tanga city, Tanzania.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer, a major public health challenge in Tanzania. National and global efforts continue to prioritise HPV vaccination; however, coverage remains suboptimal. In Tanga City, no prior data exists on HPV vaccine uptake. This study assesses HPV vaccine uptake and factors influencing parental acceptance among girls aged 9-14 years. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 parents or guardians selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics determined uptake, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of HPV vaccine uptake, with significance set at p < 0.05. HPV vaccine uptake was 57.2%. Parental age < 30 years (AOR = 0.411; 95% CI: 0.221-0.765), secondary education (AOR = 0.340; 95% CI: 0.124-0.930) and living within 5 km of a vaccination point (AOR = 0.478; 95% CI: 0.246-0.929), were associated with lower uptake, while being married and school-based vaccination increased uptake (AOR = 2.898; 95% CI: 1.723-4.876; AOR = 10.275; 95% CI: 5.518-19.133). Knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare worker recommendation showed no significant association in the multivariate model. HPV vaccine uptake in Tanga remains below national and global targets (90%). Parental demographics, access-related factors, and school-based delivery play a central role in uptake. Strengthening school-based vaccination, enhancing parent engagement, particularly among younger and more educated parents, and addressing contextual barriers may improve coverage and contribute to cervical cancer prevention efforts in Tanzania.