Stakeholders’ perspectives on informed decision-making for migrant women in CC prevention programs

Abstract Background This study gathered the perspectives of stakeholders regarding participation in cervical cancer (CC) screening and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination among migrant women in the Netherlands. Considering their perspectives by developing interventions that are tailored to migrant women’s information needs regarding CC screening and HPV vaccination will support informed decision-making. Methods In total five focus group discussions were held with community leaders, healthcare professionals and communication experts separately. The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim in Dutch, and analyzed thematically according to the Grounded Theory. Results The analysis resulted in six themes. The first theme describes the existing views and misconceptions regarding CC (screening) and HPV vaccination in the target population according to the stakeholders. The second theme is about the current approach of informing about these health programs, and its belonging barriers. Theme three dives into the differences within the target population, such as generations and level of language. Theme four describes the conditions to which interventions should adhere. In theme five and six suggestions for interventions were introduced, focused on the target population and their (social) network respectively. Conclusions The results of this study showed that stakeholders are willing to play a role to support informed decision-making regarding CC (screening) and HPV vaccination among migrant women, but they need more training to support. Community leaders express a need for training to gather more medical knowledge of CC and its prevention programs. Healthcare professionals expressed a need for more insight into the practical, cultural, religious and emotional aspects that play a role within this target population. Communication experts emphasize the need for customized information materials and a more district-oriented approach. Key messages • Stakeholders operating at different levels are willing to play a role in increasing informed decision-making regarding CC screening and HPV vaccination. • Migrant women’s (social) network need more training and support to be able to provide tailored information regarding CC screening and HPV vaccination.