Abstract

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection and a significant public health concern, particularly among women of reproductive age and it is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other malignancies. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of HPV among women aged 18-49 years in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 385 women, with a response rate of 96.4% (371 respondents). Majority of the participants were women in their mid-reproductive age of 26-35 (38.54%) years. In this study the single women made up a larger number (45.55%) than others. Majority of the respondents (46.36%) had secondary school certificates as their highest educational level. Only 44.47% of respondents/participants from this study had heard of HPV. Over half of the participants (54.18%) were uncertain about whether HPV could resolve spontaneously without treatment. A significant proportion (55.80%) did not know how HPV is transmitted or its clinical symptoms. Furthermore, 38.54% of the respondents recognized the link between HPV and the development of genital warts and cervical cancer. The findings revealed a concerning lack of awareness and knowledge about HPV, its transmission, symptoms, and associated health risks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for targeted educational interventions and awareness campaigns to improve HPV knowledge, promote vaccination, and encourage regular screening among women in Amassoma, ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases