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review · BMC Public Health

Uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine and its determinants among females in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

202432 citationsOpen accessDebre Tabor University

In plain language

Cervical cancer is the most common malignant tumour and the leading cause of death among women in sub-Saharan Africa, with the highest incidence and mortality occurring in East Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis of twenty-nine studies was conducted to evaluate human papilloma virus vaccine uptake and its determinants among females across the region. The analysis revealed a pooled uptake rate of 35 percent, which falls short of global strategic targets. Uptake was higher in adolescents than in youths. Significant factors driving higher uptake included good knowledge, positive attitudes, prior awareness of the vaccine, maternal education above college level, middle household wealth, family support, active promotion, outreach vaccination practices, and adequate vaccine supplies. Conversely, living in a family of nine or more members correlated with lower uptake. Awareness programmes and behavioural change initiatives are recommended to improve regional coverage.

Key takeaways

  • The pooled prevalence of human papilloma virus vaccine uptake among females in East Africa is 35 percent.
  • Vaccine uptake is higher among adolescents than among older youths.
  • Adequate vaccine availability and family support are the strongest factors positively influencing uptake.
  • Promotional campaigns, outreach services, positive attitudes, and higher maternal education significantly increase vaccination rates.
  • Having a family size of nine or more members is associated with lower vaccine uptake.

Why it matters

East Africa suffers the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Demonstrating that only about a third of eligible females receive the preventative vaccine, while identifying specific barriers such as supply deficits and awareness gaps, provides actionable evidence for health authorities seeking to improve immunisation coverage and reduce cancer mortality across the region.

Commercialisation angle

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women. It is the main cause of death among women in sub-Saharan African countries. Particularly, the incidence and mortality rates are highest in East Africa. Even though the burden of human papilloma virus-related cervical cancer is high in East Africa, there is no conclusive evidence about the prevalence of human papilloma virus vaccine uptake and its predictors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the pooled prevalence of human papilloma virus vaccine uptake and its determinants in East Africa. METHOD: Eligible articles were searched on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Google. Those articles incorporating the outcome of interest, both analytical and descriptive study designs, and published or unpublished articles at any time were included. Keywords and Medical Subjects Heading terms or synonyms of human papilloma virus vaccine and Boolean operators were used to retrieve the articles. To assure the quality of articles, Joana Brigg's Institute critical appraisal checklist for cross-sectional studies was used. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the heterogeneity among the studies, and a random effect model was used to analyze the pooled effect size. RESULT: A total of 29 articles were included, and the pooled prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake in East Africa was 35% (95% CI: 26-45%). Good knowledge (OR = 1.6, 95%CI; 1.43-1.8), positive attitude (OR = 2.54, 95% CI; 2.13-3.03), ever heard about HPV vaccine (OR = 1.41, 95% CI; 1.03-1.94), mother educational status above college (OR = 1.84, 95%CI; 1.03-3.31), middle wealth index (OR = 1.33, 95%CI; 1.04-1.7), ≥ 9 family size (OR = 0.76, 95%CI; 0.68-0.98), availability of promotion (OR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.51-4.26), availability of adequate vaccine (OR = 4.84, 95%CI; 2.9-8.08), outreach vaccination practice (OR = 1.47, 95%CI; 1.02-2.12) and family support (OR = 4.3, 95% CI; 2.98-6.21) were the significant factors for the uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine. CONCLUSION: As compared to the global strategic plan, the pooled prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake in east Africa was low. The uptake of the HPV vaccine was higher among adolescents than youths. Knowledge about the HPV vaccine, attitude towards the HPV vaccine, ever hearing about the HPV vaccine, residence, mother's educational status, mother's occupational status, wealth index, and family size were the significant determinants of HPV vaccine uptake. Therefore, we recommend focusing on awareness creation and behavioral change to expand the uptake of vaccines in East Africa.

Research topics

  • Cervical Cancer and HPV Research
  • Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
  • Global Cancer Incidence and Screening

Sustainable Development Goals

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DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18141-5

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