Unlocking the key to HPV prevention: Exploring factors influencing HPV vaccination decisions among young people and their parents

Objectives: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a recognised preventive measure against HPV-related cancers. Despite the availability of vaccines, challenges persist, including limited awareness and gender disparities in vaccination. Addressing the challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach involving knowledge advancements, understanding societal needs and cultural beliefs, and improving vaccine communication. This study aimed to determine young people's information needs, facilitators and barriers, influential messages, and thoughts on improving vaccine communication between youth & healthcare professionals (HCPs) and parents regarding HPV vaccination. Study design: Qualitative SWOT analysis. Methods: This report is part of Work Package 2.1 within the EU4Health project PROTECT-EUROPE. A multi methodological approach involved data collection through open-ended questionnaires disseminated to European youth organisations. The data underwent content and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Results: The SWOT analysis of HPV vaccination communication efforts highlighted strengths, such as using educational institutions to disseminate information and vaccination. Primary obstacles to HPV vaccination include a lack of awareness among key demographics and logistical challenges for youth accessing vaccination services. Weaknesses included barriers created by the use of technical jargon. Opportunities were seen in HCPs engaging directly with students in educational settings and open dialogue, ensuring confidentiality to the target population. Threats encompassed cultural sensitivities to HPV. Conclusions: These insights underscore the importance of developing communication strategies that are effective and sensitive to cultural contexts and of creating accessible and adaptable vaccination programs. The findings suggest that targeted education and active engagement strategies can mitigate these issues. Moreover, prioritising open communication between HCPs and young individuals is critical for increasing vaccination uptake.