“I do not have enough information to decide”: understanding parental hesitancy toward human papillomavirus vaccination of adolescents in Cameroon

Human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, remains a major global public health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Cameroon. Despite vaccination programs, coverage remains suboptimal. This study assessed factors associated with HPV knowledge and parents’ willingness to authorize HPV vaccination for their children in Cameroon. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from June to November 2025 among parents of children aged 9-18 years across various regions in Cameroon. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, HPV-related knowledge, and attitudes and perceptions toward HPV vaccination. Binary logistic regression identified factors associated with HPV awareness and willingness to vaccinate. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Among 332 participants, 70.8% were female, 60.8% were aged 31-50 years, and 72.0% had a tertiary education. Overall, 66.9% were aware of HPV, and 62.3% knew about HPV vaccines. Higher monthly income (≥709 USD) was significantly associated with HPV awareness. Additionally, 66.3% were willing to vaccinate their children, while insufficient information was the main reason for hesitancy in 97.3%. Parents in Cameroon have moderate knowledge of HPV. Awareness campaigns are needed to improve understanding of vaccine effectiveness. Provider-led education could improve acceptance and uptake of the vaccine.