Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Main Stakeholders towards Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccination in Mombasa and Tana-River Counties in Kenya: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Following a successful Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination pilot in 2013–2015 in Kitui county, Kenya introduced the HPV vaccine in October 2019 with a goal to immunize approximately 800,000 girls annually against HPV. Our study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of affected groups towards HPV infection and vaccination in two counties of Kenya. Semi-structured interviews from children aged between nine and thirteen years and key informants comprising of parents, head teachers, community leaders and health workers involved in HPV vaccination in health facilities from Mombasa and Tana-River counties were conducted. Content was analyzed thematically and coded for emerging themes using the QRS Nvivo 12 Plus software package. From our findings, a significant proportion of participants, especially children, have limited knowledge of the subject. Vaccination of boys was opposed by most participants. Parents and the community members are not in favor of HPV vaccination, as compared to the other groups. A similar pattern of inadequate knowledge and strongly opposed attitudes was observed in Tana-River and Mombasa. Active community involvement in primary prevention strategies may promote the uptake of the vaccine which can be achieved by robust awareness, modifying the negative beliefs about HPV vaccine and encouraging the perceptibility of HPV vaccination.

Impact of Parental Knowledge and Beliefs on HPV Vaccine Hesitancy in Kenya—Findings and Implications

“…Of concern is that approximately 10% of parents were hesitant to have their children vaccinated, with safety concerns (76%) a notable reason. This is similar other studies in Kenya revealing safety concerns [ 11 , 17 , 29 , 30 ] alongside inadequate information [ 20 ]. Lack of knowledge regarding the HPV vaccine among health care workers, alongside misinformation that the vaccine is a form of contraception and encourages pre-marital sex, are concerns that need to be addressed going forward [ 29 , 30 , 64 , 65 ].…”

“…This is similar other studies in Kenya revealing safety concerns [ 11 , 17 , 29 , 30 ] alongside inadequate information [ 20 ]. Lack of knowledge regarding the HPV vaccine among health care workers, alongside misinformation that the vaccine is a form of contraception and encourages pre-marital sex, are concerns that need to be addressed going forward [ 29 , 30 , 64 , 65 ]. Consequently, there needs to be efforts among all key stakeholders to alleviate safety and other concerns, with vaccination rates in Rwanda improved following multiple interventions [ 16 , 66 ].…”

“…A school-based approach was used, which achieved a coverage of 96%; however, it was resource intensive [ 20 ]. The HPV vaccine was eventually introduced into the national routine immunization schedule in Kenya in October 2019 [ 29 ]. The program targeted girls of 10 years of age, prior to their likely sexual debut, to be executed in schools and facilities in partnership with the various regions in Kenya as the needs dictated.…”

HPV Vaccination in Kenya: The Challenges Faced and Strategies to Increase Uptake

“…A qualitative study carried out among main stakeholders out in two counties in the North Eastern and coastal regions of Kenya sought to establish their knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding HPV infection and vaccination. Findings revealed that knowledge gaps among the interviewees were the largest contributor to vaccination refusal ( 18 ). It is therefore imperative that all stakeholders should be equipped with accurate information regarding HPV infection as a cause of cervical cancer as well as how vaccination provides protection.…”

Tuberculosis prevention: Practices of religious leaders and congregants in Khomas region, Namibia

“…FBOs have played a vital role in healthcare development (14). As Palinkas, Pickwell (15) point out, health departments have utilised FBOs as a means of enabling messages to reach the masses who inhabit remote areas.…”