Abstract
Objective:
To undertake a content analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine communication materials available to young people.
Design:
Content analysis.
Setting:
Majority English-speaking countries.
Methods:
Between March and April 2020, a web engine was utilised to search for and retrieve relevant communication materials. Content analysis was used to describe how the following key issues were covered: (1) side effects, (2) safety, (3) practicalities related to receiving the HPV vaccine and (4) gender-specific information.
Results:
A total of 44 separate communication materials were retrieved, predominantly videos, webpages and leaflets. There was a focus on mild side effects of the vaccine (43.2%), with less frequent reference being made to moderate or serious side effects (22.7%). Reassurance concerning the safety profile of vaccine was communicated by referencing the widespread use of the HPV vaccine (31.8%). Information regarding formal criteria for entry into the vaccination programme emphasised country-specific eligibility criteria (59.1%), the setting in which vaccination was offered (38.6%) and the number of doses required (38.6%). Content intended to improve young people’s experiences of receiving the HPV vaccine was less often provided (22.7%). Gender-specific content usually related to specific HPV-related diseases (52.3%) and/or the availability of cervical cancer screening programmes (52.3%).
Conclusion:
A variety of different communication tools were retrieved encompassing a wide variety of formats and content, reflective of different vaccination programmes and the varied priorities of organisations producing the materials. Findings will inform the co-production of a tailored educational package to improve access to information by populations of young people identified as having lower HPV vaccine uptake.
To undertake a content analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine communication materials available to young people.
Design:
Content analysis.
Setting:
Majority English-speaking countries.
Methods:
Between March and April 2020, a web engine was utilised to search for and retrieve relevant communication materials. Content analysis was used to describe how the following key issues were covered: (1) side effects, (2) safety, (3) practicalities related to receiving the HPV vaccine and (4) gender-specific information.
Results:
A total of 44 separate communication materials were retrieved, predominantly videos, webpages and leaflets. There was a focus on mild side effects of the vaccine (43.2%), with less frequent reference being made to moderate or serious side effects (22.7%). Reassurance concerning the safety profile of vaccine was communicated by referencing the widespread use of the HPV vaccine (31.8%). Information regarding formal criteria for entry into the vaccination programme emphasised country-specific eligibility criteria (59.1%), the setting in which vaccination was offered (38.6%) and the number of doses required (38.6%). Content intended to improve young people’s experiences of receiving the HPV vaccine was less often provided (22.7%). Gender-specific content usually related to specific HPV-related diseases (52.3%) and/or the availability of cervical cancer screening programmes (52.3%).
Conclusion:
A variety of different communication tools were retrieved encompassing a wide variety of formats and content, reflective of different vaccination programmes and the varied priorities of organisations producing the materials. Findings will inform the co-production of a tailored educational package to improve access to information by populations of young people identified as having lower HPV vaccine uptake.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 513-528 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Health Education Journal |
| Volume | 81 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Early online date | 14 Apr 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 14 Apr 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Public Health Intervention Development scheme (project number: MR/T027150/1).
Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2022.
Keywords
- Adolescents
- communication materials
- content analysis
- HPV vaccine
- young people
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