| dc.description.abstract |
Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a major public health issue that
has negatively impacted vaccine uptake in sub-Saharan Africa
(SSA). The reasons why individuals hesitate or refuse to vaccinate
are variable and factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy are not
well outlined. This review, therefore, aims to identify and describe
the determinants of HPV vaccine hesitancy in SSA.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four
electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of
Science) from 2007 until October 2021 and updated in January
2022. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analyses, 13 studies were eligible and were included in the analysis. Data extraction and synthesis were guided
by the Health Belief Model. Quality assessment was performed
using the NIH and CASP quality assessment tools.
Results: The most frequently reported factors influencing HPV
vaccine hesitancy included concerns about side effects and
infertility; limited knowledge of HPV vaccine, HPV infection, and
cervical cancer; lack of awareness of vaccination opportunities;
mistrust of health workers, health authorities, and new vaccines;
influence by caregivers, peers, community members or respected
members of the society and religious and cultural factors. Other
factors included accessibility issues (roads in poor condition,
transport costs), adolescent absenteeism on vaccination day and
dropping out of school.
Conclusion: To reduce hesitancy and improve HPV vaccination
coverage, vaccination programs need to develop and implement
inclusive and context-specific strategies to enhance vaccine
confidence, alleviate concerns, engage, and provide appropriate
information to stakeholders involved in HPV vaccination, and
dispel rumours and misinformation. The capacity of teachers and
healthcare providers must be reinforced to equip them with
knowledge about HPV vaccines, improve their interpersonal
communication skills so that they can be better advocates for the
vaccine within their communities |
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