Tailoring intervention targeting HPV vaccination in marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia

Abstract Background Marginalized Roma communities (MRCs) are among underserved groups facing limited access to vaccination services and presumably low HPV vaccination rates. The most significant health system barriers to HPV vaccination include financial costs, lack of appropriate information and restricted capacities of healthcare providers. Two interventions identified as promising for implementation in the context of MRCs were discussed with a variety of stakeholders and community members to tailor intervention that would be well accepted and effective to increase HPV vaccination rates in MRCs. Methods The first intervention uses health promoters - trusted and trained community members to address cultural and language barriers and serve as a vital link between healthcare providers and community members. The second multilevel intervention is providing education, navigation, and vaccine access. Initial discussions were conducted with 23 stakeholders, and follow-up discussions were held with 16 stakeholders, including representatives of healthcare professionals, schools, local authorities, and community members. Results An intervention to be implemented in Slovakia focuses on the use of Roma health mediators who will provide parents and vaccine-eligible children (12-14 years old) from MRCs with information on HPV and HPV vaccination, invite them to educational sessions organized in community centres and at schools and navigate them through the vaccination process. The intervention also combines components such as videos and discussions with healthcare professionals, aligning with the needs and wishes of the target group. Conclusions This intervention will help to deliver reliable and understandable information on vaccination and enable people from MRCs to make informed decisions about vaccination. Roma health mediators will take the burden of providing information from overloaded healthcare providers and navigate community members through the vaccination process.