Cervical Cancer is a significant global public health concern, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women, as reported by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2018. The World Health Organisation also identified cervical cancer as one of the most prevalent cancers globally, commonly among women of reproductive age, accounting for about 7.5% of all cancer-related deaths in females. HPV has been identified as the primary cause of cervical cancer. Although significant progress has been made in developed nations to improve acceptance and uptake of the vaccine, low-income countries still face challenges in achieving widespread HPV vaccination. Healthcare workers in these regions play a significant role in improving vaccine acceptance and uptake, given their societal position and their ability to provide guidance and advice that promotes better health practices and improvement. Using the theory of planned behaviour as a guide, this study adopted an interpretive phenomenological approach to qualitative research to examine multiple factors influencing the uptake, acceptance, and administration of the HPV vaccine from healthcare workers' perspectives in Sokoto State, Nigeria. It specifically aimed to explore healthcare workers' experiences and perceptions of the HPV vaccine administration and acceptance, identify barriers within the healthcare system regarding HPV vaccine uptake, acceptance, and administration, and understand the barriers observed by healthcare workers that influence women's decisions regarding HPV vaccine uptake in Sokoto State. The study adopted a purposive sampling technique to interview 22 healthcare workers in Usman Don-Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto State, using a semi-structured interview guide to elicit information from participants. Based on the thematic analysis result, the study found that Nigerian healthcare workers perceived HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake as sub-optimal among women in the study location. This was primarily influenced by sociocultural and religious beliefs, myths, and misinformation about the vaccine, inadequate knowledge and awareness of vaccine availability, and accessibility in remote areas. The study further revealed that healthcare workers identified healthcare system challenges, such as inadequate storage facilities to maintain the quality and integrity of the vaccine, as contributing factors to vaccine acceptance and uptake. In addition, healthcare workers perceived that women's decisions to vaccinate were influenced by familial and community factors, such as the need for permission from husbands or religious leaders, and by personal experiences, such as witnessing close relatives or friends who have cervical cancer. The study concludes that HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake in Sokoto, Nigeria, are sub-optimal due to socio-cultural, religious, and economic factors. Securing permission from key authorities, such as husbands and religious and community leaders, is critical to improving HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake. Improving health literacy, education, and awareness among both the general population and those in positions of influence may help alleviate the myths and misinformation around the vaccine and subsequently improve uptake.
Olusola Oyekunle (Thu,) studied this question.
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