Young women's autonomy and information needs in the schools-based HPV vaccination programme: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Vaccination Programs

Background:

• The English human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program, initially for females aged 12-13, aimed to reduce HPV-related diseases.
• The study examines young women's autonomy within this vaccination program, considering various stakeholder perspectives.
• Information provision and program structure influenced decision-making processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore young women's autonomy in the HPV vaccination program.
• To understand how information content and delivery affected decision-making.
• To identify factors influencing participation and consent.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 53 participants: young women, parents, school staff, and nurses.
• Data collected through researcher observations and semi-structured interviews.
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews using NVivo software.

Main Results:

• Young women's autonomy was limited by vaccination setting and parental consent requirements.
• School environment and information delivery (leaflets) hindered active participation and unmet information needs.
• Young women found ways to influence vaccine decisions by managing consent forms.

Conclusions:

• Improving communication strategies can enhance young people's autonomy in healthcare consent.
• Clearer communication can clarify rights and responsibilities, potentially increasing HPV vaccine uptake.
• Advocacy by healthcare professionals and accessible information formats are recommended.