Adolescent girls ’ recommendations for designing Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Program in Pakistan

Abstract In Pakistan, cervical cancer is the third most frequent cancer among women. Most cases are caused by sexually-acquired infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV). Vaccination of adolescent girls against HPV significantly reduces the incidence of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination is available in Pakistan, but plans to develop a HPV vaccination program are currently at a very early stage. We conducted a formative study to explore adolescent girls' perspectives on HPV and cervical cancer, and collected their recommendations for implementing an HPV vaccination program. We conducted qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs), with unmarried adolescent girls aged 16-19 years, residing in Karachi. We conducted four FGDs with 12 participants each. The topic guide assessed i) girls' knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, ii) vaccination decision-making dynamics within families, and iii) factors girls would consider essential for the successful implementation of HPV vaccination program. Overall, participants displayed a positive attitude towards the HPV vaccine. However, many basic concepts related to female reproductive health were unfamiliar to them. Female relatives were indicated as girls' preferred point of contact for discussions on HPV and cervical cancer, but fathers were portrayed as the definitive decision-making authority on vaccination. Girls gave critical input for the development of a HPV vaccination program. Eligible girls should be recruited throug...
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research