Understanding the barriers to the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for female adolescents in the UK:a literature review

Background: <br/>The uptake of the Human Papillomavirus vaccination by UK female adolescents continues to reduce. In 2018/19 the completed two dose schedule was 83.9% but this reduced to 62.9% in 2022/23. Human Papillomavirus is linked to more than 70% of cancerous lesions worldwide and accounts for 95% of cervical cancers. Between 2017-2019 there were 3,256 cervical cancer diagnoses and 853 deaths from cervical cancer in the UK. The Human Papillomavirus vaccine is fundamental in reducing the cervical cancer rates. <br/><br/>Aim: <br/>This literature review aims to understand the barriers to UK adolescent females consenting to the Human Papillomavirus vaccination. <br/><br/>Methods: <br/>Data sources: Five databases were systematically searched between the 15th and 17th July 2024. <br/><br/>Inclusion criteria: Adolescent females only, UK, Human Papillomavirus vaccination, 2015 onwards. The EQAUTOR Prisma-S Checklist was used. <br/><br/>Data extraction and synthesis: Thematic Analysis <br/><br/>Results: <br/>Four themes were identified: knowledge needs; risk of promiscuity; decision making; and administration procedures. <br/><br/>Conclusion: <br/>Increased knowledge and awareness of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine is required by adolescent females and their parents to increase the uptake in the Human Papillomavirus vaccine. Additional research is required to support the best way to support this. If the barriers to the Human Papillomavirus vaccine are not addressed, the risk of continued decline in the Human Papillomavirus vaccine acceptance rates will continue. <br/><br/>Main findings: <br/>Adolescent females and their parents feel there is a lack of information available to make informed decisions and this reduced consent for vaccination administration. There were misconceptions that the Human Papillomavirus vaccine would promote promiscuity as it protects against the sexually transmitted infection. Decision making often remained with the parents with adolescent females having no or limited capacity to consent. Administrative reasons were linked to adolescent females having incomplete vaccination status.