HPV vaccination intentions in Morocco and Tunisia: Evidence from a scoping review
1
Laboratory of Community Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Hygiene, Ibn Zohr University,Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Agadir, Morocco
2
Laboratory of Innovation Research in Health Sciences, Therapeutic Innovation, Translational Research, and Epidemiology, Ibn Zohr University,Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Agadir, Morocco
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Human papillomavirus is responsible for 95% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, with nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occurring in low and middle income countries. Despite the availability of vaccines and the implementation of HPV vaccination in national programs of immunization, coverage remains low in many settings across Africa. In Morocco and Tunisia, cervical cancer continues to represent a significant health burden. This study explores HPV vaccination intention in both countries highlighting parental willingness to vaccinate their girls.
METHODS:
We systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science to find English articles that quantitatively examined HPV vaccination outcomes such as vaccination behavior, intention and willingness in both Morocco and Tunisia between 2010 and 2025.
RESULTS:
Overall, 5 studies were included in this review: Morocco (n=4), Tunisia (n=1). All the included studies were cross-sectional and published between 2013 and 2024. The parental willingness rate to vaccinate the girls varied from 38.7% to 72.8% in Morocco and it was close to 86% in Tunisia. In both countries, mothers were more involved than the fathers regarding taking the decision and supporting their girls.
CONCLUSIONS:
Willingness to receive HPV vaccination varies between Morocco and Tunisia but remains generally favorable. However, actual vaccine uptake is still low, highlighting a gap between intention and practice. This underscores the need for targeted interventions and further qualitative research to better understand contextual barriers and translate willingness into effective vaccination coverage.
Human papillomavirus is responsible for 95% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, with nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occurring in low and middle income countries. Despite the availability of vaccines and the implementation of HPV vaccination in national programs of immunization, coverage remains low in many settings across Africa. In Morocco and Tunisia, cervical cancer continues to represent a significant health burden. This study explores HPV vaccination intention in both countries highlighting parental willingness to vaccinate their girls.
METHODS:
We systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science to find English articles that quantitatively examined HPV vaccination outcomes such as vaccination behavior, intention and willingness in both Morocco and Tunisia between 2010 and 2025.
RESULTS:
Overall, 5 studies were included in this review: Morocco (n=4), Tunisia (n=1). All the included studies were cross-sectional and published between 2013 and 2024. The parental willingness rate to vaccinate the girls varied from 38.7% to 72.8% in Morocco and it was close to 86% in Tunisia. In both countries, mothers were more involved than the fathers regarding taking the decision and supporting their girls.
CONCLUSIONS:
Willingness to receive HPV vaccination varies between Morocco and Tunisia but remains generally favorable. However, actual vaccine uptake is still low, highlighting a gap between intention and practice. This underscores the need for targeted interventions and further qualitative research to better understand contextual barriers and translate willingness into effective vaccination coverage.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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