HPV vaccine: uptake and understanding among global Indigenous communities – a qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Background Indigenous populations have a high prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and a high incidence of HPV associated cancers, such as cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. There is an effective HPV vaccination program in almost all developed countries to prevent the incidence of cervical cancer, but reports suggest that the uptake of these vaccinations by Indigenous populations is low. The objective of this qualitative systematic review was to explore the knowledge and beliefs of global Indigenous populations regarding HPV vaccines. This review was performed to identify the barriers faced by Indigenous peoples and to provide evidence for more effective and acceptable execution of vaccination policies for Indigenous peoples. Methods Two investigators independently searched MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases using a pre-specified search strategy to identify qualitative studies on narratives of Indigenous peoples regarding HPV vaccine awareness, knowledge and experiences across all geographic and income-level settings. Results After performing the literature search and quality appraisals 5 papers were included in the final review. Three core synthesised findings were identified: reasons for acceptance or hesitancy, and areas for improvement. Lack of correct knowledge and mistrust in the healthcare system were important categories observed in all papers included in the review. Other categories within the conceptual model included prioritising disease prevention, health professional guidance, family support and supportive community environment. Conclusion Qualitative systematic reviews are an excellent means of exploring the gaps in current healthcare practices. Indigenous healthcare research should be grounded in community experiences and feedback. This review provides insights into HPV vaccination understanding and acceptance amongst Indigenous populations, from which recommendations for increasing resonance of vaccination strategies with Indigenous communities can be formed.

Knowledge and Perceptions about Cervical Cancer and HPV Screening in Women in Rural Areas of Ecuador: A Qualitative Research Study

“…The study population perceived the vaccine against HPV as a prevention measure; another way to know about the virus was through the vaccination campaigns. In a systematic review, the objective of which was to explore the knowledge and beliefs of indigenous populations worldwide regarding the vaccine against HPV, it was mentioned that education and easy access to the vaccine improved acceptance in relation to being vaccinated [ 27 ].…”

Role of Immunity and Vaginal Microbiome in Clearance and Persistence of Human Papillomavirus Infection

“…The nonavalent vaccine is directed against 9 HPV genotypes, the four collectively targeted by the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines (HPV 16, 18, 6, and 11) and five additional strains associated with cervical cancer (HPV 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) ( Lekoane et al., 2019 ). The adverse effects of HPV vaccination are normal mild local reactions and their safety has resulted in effective HPV vaccination program in majority of developed countries, but the uptake of these vaccinations by native populations is low ( Poirier et al., 2021 ). HPV vaccination is provided to adolescents from 9 to 12 years ( Wang et al., 2020 ) to prevent HPV infections, abnormal cervical cytology, and cervical cancer ( Palefsky, 2020 ).…”

Awareness of human papillomavirus and acceptability of the vaccine among women in Palestine: is it time for policy adjustment?

“…Effective implementation of HPV vaccination programs is considered one of the cornerstones to reducing the burden of CC, particularly in low-and middle-income countries [14,[41][42][43]. For a vaccination program to be effective, both awareness of its benefits and availability are important to ensure wide uptake among the population [43].…”

“…Although the World Health Organization stated in its CC prevention and control guidelines that the prevention and early detection of CC should be the main objective especially in low-and middle-income countries, more efforts are needed to achieve this [49][50][51][52]. Effective vaccination programs coupled with greater awareness facilitating public engagement with a vaccination program could lead to a significant reduction in CC morbidity and mortality in low-and middle-income countries [43].…”