Young women’s experiences of the HPV vaccine: A Cross-Cultural, Qualitative Study in Scotland, Spain, Serbia and Bulgaria. EHPS 2012 Abstracts.

Background: Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. The HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Vaccine was introduced for prevention against infection against common strands of the HPV virus. The aim of this study was to explore young women’s experiences of the vaccine cross-culturally.Method:Qualitative focus group discussions were held with young women aged 18-26 years old in Scotland, Serbia and Bulgaria about their views and experiences of the vaccine. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings:Common themes identified barriers to information and knowledge about the HPV vaccine; trust issues and dilemmas about vaccine relevance. There were clear differences in terms of access to wider sexual healthcare. Discussion:Despite stark divides with implementation of the HPV vaccine across Europe and differences with vaccine cost and wider health access to screening, findings suggested common barriers for young women accessing preventative sexual health services