HPV vaccination in Africa in the COVID-19 era: a cross-sectional survey of healthcare providers’ knowledge, training, and recommendation practices

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  • Fokom Domgue, Joel
    • Other Affiliation: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Dille, Issimouha
    • Other Affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
  • Kapambwe, Sharon
    • Other Affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
  • Yu, Robert
    • Other Affiliation: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Gnangnon, Freddy
    • Other Affiliation: University of Abomey-Calavi
  • Chinula, Lameck
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Murenzi, Gad
    • Other Affiliation: Rwanda Military Hospital
  • Mbatani, Nomonde
    • Other Affiliation: University of Cape Town
  • Pande, Mala
    • Other Affiliation: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Sidibe, Fatoumata
    • Other Affiliation: University of Bamako
  • Kamgno, Joseph
    • Other Affiliation: University of Yaounde
  • Traore, Bangaly
    • Other Affiliation: University Gamal Abdel Nasser of Conakry
  • Fazazi, Hicham El
    • Other Affiliation: Mohammed V University
  • Diop, Mamadou
    • Other Affiliation: CHU Aristide Le Dantec
  • Tebeu, Pierre-Marie
    • Other Affiliation: University of Yaounde
  • Diomande, Mohenou Isidore
    • Other Affiliation: University Teaching Hospital of Cocody
  • Lecuru, Fabrice
    • Other Affiliation: Institut Curie
  • Adewole, Isaac
    • Other Affiliation: University of Ibadan
  • Plante, Marie
    • Other Affiliation: Laval University
  • Basu, Partha
    • Other Affiliation: International Agency for Research on Cancer
  • Dangou, Jean-Marie
    • Other Affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
  • Shete, Sanjay
    • Other Affiliation: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Abstract
  • Introduction Although the burden of cervical cancer in Africa is highest, HPV vaccination coverage remains alarmingly low in this region. Providers’ knowledge and recommendation are key drivers of HPV vaccination uptake. Yet, evidence about providers’ knowledge and recommendation practices about the HPV vaccine against a backdrop of emerging vaccine hesitancy fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking in Africa. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021–2022 among healthcare providers involved in cervical cancer prevention activities in Africa. They were invited to report prior training, the availability of the HPV vaccine in their practice, whether they recommended the HPV vaccine, and, if not, the reasons for not recommending it. Their knowledge about the HPV vaccine was assessed through self-reporting (perceived knowledge) and with three pre-tested knowledge questions (measured knowledge). Results Of the 153 providers from 23 African countries who responded to the survey (mean age: 38.5 years, SD: 10.1), 75 (54.0%) were female and 97 (63.4%) were based In countries with national HPV immunization programs. Overall, 57 (43.8%) reported having received prior training on HPV vaccine education/counseling, and 40 (37.4%) indicated that the HPV vaccine was available at the facility where they work. Most respondents (109, 83.2%) reported recommending the HPV vaccine in their practice. Vaccine unavailability (57.1%), lack of effective communication tools and informational material (28.6%), and need for adequate training (28.6%) were the most commonly reported reasons for not recommending the HPV vaccine. While 63 providers (52.9%) reported that their knowledge about HPV vaccination was adequate for their practice, only 9.9% responded correctly to the 3 knowledge questions. Conclusion To increase HPV vaccination coverage and counter misinformation about this vaccine in Africa, adequate training of providers and culturally appropriate educational materials are needed to improve their knowledge of the HPV vaccine and to facilitate effective communication with their patients and the community.
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  • Article
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  • In Copyright
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  • Attribution 4.0 International
Journal title
  • Frontiers in Public Health
Journal volume
  • 12
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  • English
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  • 2296-2565
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  • Frontiers Media SA

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