Barriers to and Facilitators of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among People Aged 9 to 26 Years: A Systematic Review

Background Cervical and oropharyngeal cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can be prevented with the vaccines. However, uptake of the HPV vaccine remains low in many countries. There is a need to better understand the barriers to and facilitators of HPV vaccination from young people's perspectives. Methods Five electronic databases were searched for original publications (dated January, 2006-December, 2019) reporting barriers to and facilitators of HPV vaccination among young people. All articles were screened against prespecified eligibility criteria, and data were extracted against prespecified form. Results A total of 13 studies that were published in international peer-reviewed journals and met the stated eligibility criteria were identified. The barriers reported were centralized around lack of knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine, fear about the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, fear about not being able to pay for the HPV vaccine, and discrimination regarding to the HPV vaccine. The facilitators reported were centralized around trust in the efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine, discounted price of vaccination, positive recommendations from others, perceived risk of HPV infection, and benefits of vaccine. Conclusions After their introduction 14 years ago, knowledge deficiency of the HPV vaccine is still a critical barrier to vaccination. Educational initiatives aimed at adolescents and young adults were urgently needed. Understanding factors that arbitrate in early HPV vaccination is critical for improving the HPV vaccination rate.

Automated summary

Despite being introduced 14 years ago, lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine remains a critical barrier to vaccination. Educational initiatives targeting adolescents and young adults are urgently needed to improve vaccination rates. Understanding the factors influencing early HPV vaccination is essential for increasing HPV vaccination coverage.