Development of a cross-cultural HPV community engagement model within Scotland

Abstract

Objective:To examine cultural barriers and participant solutions regarding acceptance and uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine from the perspective of Black African, White-Caribbean, Arab, Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani young people.Methods:In total, 40 young people from minority ethnic communities in Scotland took part in a qualitative study, involving seven focus groups and four paired interviews, to explore their views and experiences of the HPV vaccine. Using critical discursive psychology, the analysis focused on young people’s accounts of barriers and enablers to information, access and uptake of the HPV vaccination programme.Results:Participants suggested innovative strategies to tackle intergenerational concerns, information design and accessibility, and public health communications across diverse contexts. A cross-cultural community engagement model was developed, embracing diversity and contradiction across different ethnic groups. This included four inter-related strategies: providing targeted and flexible information for young people, vaccine provision across the life-course, intergenerational information and specific cross-cultural communications.Conclusion:This is the first HPV cross-cultural model inductively derived from accounts of young people from different ethnic communities. We recommend public health practitioners and policymakers consider using the processes and strategies within this model to increase dialogue around public engagement, awareness and receptivity towards HPV vaccination.

Multidimensional social and cultural norms influencing HPV vaccine hesitancy in Asia

“…For fear of offending or disrespecting parents or the elders in the family, young adult women often seek permission from elderly family members despite being of an age at which they can make full decisions regarding HPV vaccination. 44 This highlights the need to better educate parents and the elderly in the community regarding HPV vaccination. Acceptance of HPV vaccination requires community engagement as a key to success 44 particularly in communities bound by strong religious and cultural beliefs.…”

“…44 This highlights the need to better educate parents and the elderly in the community regarding HPV vaccination. Acceptance of HPV vaccination requires community engagement as a key to success 44 particularly in communities bound by strong religious and cultural beliefs.…”

“…Perspectives from Asians living in Western countries have revealed a variety of needs related to health information, warranting a culturally sensitive approach to increasing the acceptability of the HPV vaccine. 44 For instance, some young adults indicated a preference toward educating parents about HPV vaccination. 44 Alternatively, some women fear the topic will offend the elderly or cause disrespect, and they would prefer that the information be delivered within the religious community.…”

Health communication messaging about HPV vaccine in Papua New Guinea

“…Given the lack of messaging materials currently available on HPV and the diversity of information needs of different peoples in PNG, community consultation should occur to ensure that materials are appropriate and targeted to specific audiences effectively. Developing a comprehensive health education and communication strategy is an essential next step (Carnegie et al, 2017), and the way the messages are delivered needs to be empowering, using both oral and visual messages together rather than written ones alone, due to poor rates of literacy especially in rural communities.…”

Health disparities and equity in the era of COVID-19

“…Despite well-deserved mistrust and "vaccine hesitancy" in communities of color, community leaders report that individuals are hopeful as vaccines are developed [41]. Lessons from past vaccination efforts, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, demonstrate that community-based approaches will be essential to success in achieving higher levels of uptake in diverse populations for a vaccine fraught with controversy [42]. The same trend is seen in preventive care interventions for cervical [43], prostate [44], and colon cancers [45], and diabetes [46].…”