Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination is highly effective in preventing vaccine-targeted HPV infection. However, low HPV vaccination coverage in Kisumu County, Kenya, at about 10% for the first dose, highlights the critical issue of vaccine hesitancy, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
Methods: This study explores the concerns, myths and barriers to HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls (aged 10-14) enrolled at human immune-deficiency virus comprehensive care clinics and their parents in Kisumu County. Focused group discussions were conducted with 48 participants.
Results: Content analysis revealed limited knowledge about the HPV vaccine and widespread misconceptions regarding its safety and efficacy. Financial constraints, injection fears and negative clinic experiences emerged as additional barriers.
Conclusion: The findings emphasise the role of effective communication strategies, including engaging parents through written materials and involving them in decision-making, to dispel myths, provide accurate information and encourage HPV vaccination. Collaborative efforts with community stakeholders are crucial to improve vaccine coverage and ultimately reduce the cervical cancer burden.
Keywords: HPV vaccine; Kenya; adolescent girls; cervical cancer; vaccine hesitancy.
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