HPV vaccine uptake by Young adults in Hanoi, Vietnam: A qualitative investigation

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized to cause not only cervical cancer but also several HPV-related sexually transmitted diseases in both sexes. Despite the effectiveness of HPV vaccines to prevent HPV-related sexually transmitted diseases, in 2021 only 12 % of Vietnamese females aged 15-29 were recorded as vaccinated, while information on males was underreported. This paper aimed to identify barriers and enabling conditions of the HPV vaccine as perceived by young adults residing in Hanoi, providing insights to improve future health promotion strategies in Vietnam. Methods: Framed within the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), we conducted a descriptive qualitative study to examine the influencing factors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants (10 males and 14 females) aged 18-25, in Hanoi, Vietnam. Results: Participants' main concerns regarding HPV vaccination were: (i) literacy towards HPV infection and vaccination; (ii) financial capacity; (iii) local availability of the vaccine; (iv) flexibility of the vaccination program. Motivating factors included perceived: (i) sexual activity-related risks; (ii) gender-related health risks and biological risks; (iii) fear of death. Moreover, social pressure from the government, family, and friends also influenced young people's intention to vaccinate. Conclusions: This study enhances our understanding of young adults' acceptance of HPV vaccination in Hanoi, Vietnam. Identifying significant perceptions that affect health decision-making in this age group is crucial to developing prospective intervention programs that address financial barriers, increase accessibility, expand the national vaccination program. Our findings also highlight the need to enhance HPV health literacy among not just women but also men, as well as healthcare providers. Consideration of the implications may help to increase vaccine uptake rates in both genders.