Boosting Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rates: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Awareness...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Health Education

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a global health concern, causing significant cancer cases and deaths annually.
• Vaccination is effective, yet HPV vaccination rates are critically low in specific French regions like Réunion Island.
• Innovative health education strategies are needed to address low vaccination uptake among adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of peer learning and a serious game on HPV vaccination initiation among middle school students.
• To actively involve students in awareness campaigns to improve vaccine uptake.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving approximately 3600 middle school students across 24 schools in Réunion Island.
• Interventions included a control group (national campaign), peer education (ambassador classes), and a card-based serious game.
• Primary outcome: proportion of students initiating HPV vaccination, assessed via social security records; secondary outcomes: knowledge and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Preliminary data from 124 students indicate increased vaccination coverage after participating in the serious game intervention.
• Higher vaccination rates are anticipated in intervention groups compared to the control.
• Target vaccination coverage for intervention groups is estimated at 45%.

Conclusions:

• This study assesses novel, engaging methods (peer learning, serious game) to enhance HPV vaccination rates in adolescents.
• Successful implementation could inform strategies for wider adoption in France and internationally.
• The findings aim to improve public health outcomes by increasing HPV vaccine uptake.