https://journals.bohrpub.com/index.php/bijgim_backup/issue/feedBOHR International Journal of General and Internal Medicine2025-08-07T12:16:42+00:00Jayanthi Roselineditor@bohrpub.comOpen Journal Systems<p><strong>BOHR International Journal of General and Internal Medicine (BIJGIM)</strong> is a peer reviewed open-access journal dedicated to fostering innovation and advancing knowledge in the field of General and Internal Medicine. Our journal aims to provide a forum for researchers, clinicians, and professionals to share their insights, discoveries, and advancements in various topics of General and Internal Medicine<strong>. </strong>Authors are solicited to contribute to the journal by submitting articles that illustrate high-quality research and contributes to the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.</p>https://journals.bohrpub.com/index.php/bijgim_backup/article/view/875Assessment of behavioral and social drivers influencing community awareness, knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccination in Sierra Leone2025-08-07T11:59:30+00:00Abdulai Alpha Jallohjayjalloh33@gmail.comMohamed Boie Jallohjayjalloh33@gmail.comPatrick Lansanajayjalloh33@gmail.comFoday Sahrjayjalloh33@gmail.comMohamed Alex Vandijayjalloh33@gmail.comHarold Thomasjayjalloh33@gmail.comJames Squirejayjalloh33@gmail.comLaurine Chikodiri Nwosujayjalloh33@gmail.comAmos Mani Boimajayjalloh33@gmail.comPriscillia Nkem Onyibejayjalloh33@gmail.com<p>Understanding community awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is important for improving vaccination coverage. Limited research exists on the behavioral and social factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake in Sierra Leone. As a result, the study seeks to assess the behavioral and social factors influencing HPV vaccination in Sierra Leone. A convenience sampling approach was used for the selection of the participants at the district and chiefdom level. Data were collected via the KOBO collect tool. A total of 1345 respondents took part in filling out the survey. However, due to missing information, 1231 responses were employed for analysis using Excel software. Virtually all participants in the Eastern, Northern, and Western regions had heard of HPV, with healthcare workers being the primary source of information (49.8%). However, a significant knowledge gap was observed, as most respondents in the four regions could not link HPV to cervical cancer. Concerns about vaccine safety, particularly side effects (39.7%) and fertility issues (28.0%), were prevalent. Despite these concerns, over 75% of respondents expressed a willingness to vaccinate their children, though actual vaccine uptake was low (less than 25% across all regions). Cultural and religious beliefs were found to influence attitudes toward vaccination, with regional variations in the perceived impact of these factors. Although awareness of HPV is high in Sierra Leone, knowledge gaps and misconceptions about the vaccine’s safety and its link to cervical cancer persist. Communication strategies should focus on (a) educating the public about the connection between HPV and cervical cancer and (b) addressing misconceptions about vaccine safety, particularly regarding side effects and fertility. Healthcare workers remain a trusted source of information, but peer influence should also be leveraged to improve vaccine uptake. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to increase HPV vaccination coverage in Sierra Leone.</p>2025-04-03T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2025 Abdulai Alpha Jalloh, Mohamed Boie Jalloh, Patrick Lansana, Foday Sahr, Mohamed Alex Vandi, Harold Thomas, James Squire, Laurine Chikodiri Nwosu, Amos Mani Boima, Priscillia Nkem Onyibe