DETERMINANT OF HPV VACCINE HESITANCY AND ACCEPTANCE AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS
1
Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Obeledu, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1206
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of preventable cancers worldwide, and HPV vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure. Despite this, vaccination uptake remains suboptimal in many regions. Healthcare workers play a central role in influencing HPV vaccine acceptance through recommendation and delivery; however, variations in their knowledge, attitudes, and practices may limit vaccine uptake. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on healthcare workers’ perspectives regarding HPV vaccination and to identify key barriers and facilitators influencing their role in vaccine promotion.
METHODS:
A systematic review was conducted using multiple electronic databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies examining healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices related to HPV vaccination were included. Study quality was assessed using standardized appraisal tools, including the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Due to heterogeneity across study designs and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
RESULTS:
A total of 3,352 records were identified through database searching. After the removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in the inclusion of studies that met the predefined criteria. The findings showed that healthcare workers generally recognized the importance of HPV vaccination for cancer prevention. Common barriers included inadequate training, time constraints, concerns about vaccine safety, cultural sensitivities, and perceived parental resistance. Facilitators of effective vaccine promotion included targeted education, clear clinical guidelines, institutional support, and positive professional norms.
CONCLUSIONS:
This review demonstrates that although healthcare workers largely support HPV vaccination, persistent educational and structural barriers limit their ability to optimally recommend and deliver the vaccine. Addressing these challenges through focused training, clear policy guidance, and institutional support may enhance healthcare workers’ engagement in HPV vaccine promotion and improve vaccination uptake, ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related disease.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of preventable cancers worldwide, and HPV vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure. Despite this, vaccination uptake remains suboptimal in many regions. Healthcare workers play a central role in influencing HPV vaccine acceptance through recommendation and delivery; however, variations in their knowledge, attitudes, and practices may limit vaccine uptake. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on healthcare workers’ perspectives regarding HPV vaccination and to identify key barriers and facilitators influencing their role in vaccine promotion.
METHODS:
A systematic review was conducted using multiple electronic databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies examining healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices related to HPV vaccination were included. Study quality was assessed using standardized appraisal tools, including the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Due to heterogeneity across study designs and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.
RESULTS:
A total of 3,352 records were identified through database searching. After the removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in the inclusion of studies that met the predefined criteria. The findings showed that healthcare workers generally recognized the importance of HPV vaccination for cancer prevention. Common barriers included inadequate training, time constraints, concerns about vaccine safety, cultural sensitivities, and perceived parental resistance. Facilitators of effective vaccine promotion included targeted education, clear clinical guidelines, institutional support, and positive professional norms.
CONCLUSIONS:
This review demonstrates that although healthcare workers largely support HPV vaccination, persistent educational and structural barriers limit their ability to optimally recommend and deliver the vaccine. Addressing these challenges through focused training, clear policy guidance, and institutional support may enhance healthcare workers’ engagement in HPV vaccine promotion and improve vaccination uptake, ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related disease.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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