School nurses' perceptions of providing the HPV vaccine to adolescents in undervaccinated communities in Stockholm: A qualitative study.
School nurses recognize their influence on HPV vaccine uptake but face challenges that hinder their efforts, indicating a need for additional support.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the mazdutide (ibi362) corpusSummary and findings
This qualitative study explored school nurses' perceptions regarding the challenges of providing the HPV vaccine to adolescents in undervaccinated communities in Stockholm. The study involved 21 in-depth interviews conducted between June and November 2024. Key themes identified include the nurses' individual responsibilities, their dual roles in care and public health, and the sensitivity surrounding HPV and sexual health.
Abstract
In Sweden, HPV vaccination is freely available to all adolescents aged 10-12 through a national, school-based program, but vaccine confidence and uptake are lower than for other childhood vaccines, with notable disparities between groups. School nurses are uniquely positioned to influence this, and the aim of this qualitative study was thus to understand their perceptions about the challenges associated with providing the HPV vaccine to adolescents in undervaccinated communities in Stockholm, Sweden. Between June and November 2024, we conducted 21 in-depth interviews with school nurses working in undervaccinated communities in Stockholm. The data was analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis, which generated three themes: (1) School nurses are left to manage HPV vaccination by themselves; (2) Individual care and public health - the school nurses' dual responsibilities; and (3) Navigating sensitivity around HPV and sex. The themes illustrate how school nurses recognize their ability to influence uptake, but that various challenges, ranging from high workload to normative ideas about sex, hinder them. Our results suggest that ensuring high HPV vaccine uptake largely depends on the efforts of individual school nurses, which ultimately challenges the sustainability of the HPV vaccination program, indicating the need for further support for school nurses with regards to communication materials and strategies to addressing HPV vaccine hesitancy.
Background
The study addresses the issue of low HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in Sweden, particularly in undervaccinated communities. Previous research has indicated disparities in vaccine confidence compared to other childhood vaccines. Understanding school nurses' perspectives is crucial as they play a key role in influencing vaccination rates.
Methods
This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews to gather data from school nurses in Stockholm. A total of 21 interviews were conducted between June and November 2024. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes from the interviews.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
The findings highlight the significant role of school nurses in managing HPV vaccination efforts, yet they face numerous challenges that may impact the effectiveness of the vaccination program. While the study provides insights into the barriers faced by nurses, the lack of quantitative data limits the ability to assess the overall impact on vaccination rates.
Key findings
- 21 in-depth interviews conducted with school nurses.
- Three themes identified: management of HPV vaccination, dual responsibilities of care, and sensitivity around HPV.
Limitations
- Qualitative study with no quantitative data reported.
- Small sample size of 21 interviews.
- Focus on perceptions rather than measurable outcomes.
- Not applicable for assessing clinical effectiveness.