Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
1
UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Office, Harare, Zimbabwe.
2
Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
3
University of Western Cape, South Africa.
4
Department of Global Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
Abstract
Background: Regardless of the World Health Organization’s recommendation for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, Zimbabwe still faces challenges in achieving optimal vaccination coverage among female adolescents and young adults. Objectives: This rapid scoping review of literature aims to identify the behavioural and social drivers (BeSD) influencing HPV vaccination uptake in Zimbabwe over the past ten-year period. Methods: A scoping review of published and grey literature from 2014 to 2024 was conducted. Data analysis was guided by theoretical frameworks. Eligibility criteria: English language published and grey literature relevant to public health, vaccination, and social and behavioural sciences from Zimbabwe from 2014 to 2024. Sources of evidence: Ministry of Health & Child Care archives, African Journals Online, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Charting methods: Tables with author information, year of publication, and relevant findings were used to chart the results. Results: Twenty-eight articles and grey literature sources were included. Key themes encompassed knowledge and attitudes, costs, vaccine uptake, healthcare provider perspectives, and feasibility of delivery methods. High knowledge levels regarding HPV and vaccination coexisted with misinformation and fears, impacting uptake. Socioeconomic factors and religious beliefs influenced HPV vaccination decisions. School-based vaccination was deemed feasible but faced challenges such as misinformation. Communication strategies, including a “Communication for Development” (C4D) approach, were crucial for addressing barriers and fostering community engagement. Discussion: The findings align with numerous theoretical frameworks including the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, and Social Ecological Model. Addressing barriers at multiple levels, promoting cultural competence, and integrating HPV vaccination into existing healthcare activities are recommended. Conclusion: To enhance HPV vaccination uptake in Zimbabwe, tailored health literacy campaigns, leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure, increased political commitment, and integration into national immunization programmes are crucial. Implementation should draw on existing policies and guidelines to ensure sustainability and equity in vaccination efforts.
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