Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41528774›Full record

ArticleHuman vaccines & immunotherapeutics2026

Healthcare workers' and caregivers' knowledge, perceptions and experiences of the school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program: A qualitative study in eThekwini District of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Phelele Bhengu, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Vuyolwethu Magasana, Sara Cooper, Mosa Moshabela, Patrick de Marie C Katoto, Duduzile Ndwandwe, Muki Shehu Shey

Abstract read
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Article in Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Phelele BhenguDepartment of Medicine & CIDRI-Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0001-7915-0068
Charles Shey WiysongeCochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
Vuyolwethu MagasanaHIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa.
Sara CooperCochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
Mosa MoshabelaVice-Chancellor's Office, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Patrick de Marie C KatotoDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Duduzile NdwandweCochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
Muki Shehu SheyDepartment of Medicine & CIDRI-Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs is a significant achievement in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related illnesses. This study aimed to explore healthcare workers (HCWs) and caregivers (CGs) knowledge, perceptions and experiences surrounding the school-based HPV immunization program in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. CGs refer to parents or other individuals responsible for making vaccination decisions for eligible girls. A qualitative study design was employed that incorporated in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 CGs and 20 HCWs from different areas of eThekwini District who are involved in a school-based HPV immunization program. The study was informed by the World Health Organization's Measuring Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) approach. The BeSD resources include qualitative tools for conducting in-depth interviews that informed our interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews that were recorded, transcribed, and translated. HCWs indicated a thorough understanding of HPV and the vaccine's benefits, but CGs' knowledge varied, with some having misconceptions about the vaccine. HCWs largely praised the school-based HPV immunization program initiative but noted practical difficulties. CGs' perceptions varied from supportive to doubtful, depending on the information they received. Common impediments highlighted included a lack of information, cultural and religious beliefs and communication breakdowns. The study established that factors such as culture, information, and interpersonal experiences influence the knowledge, acceptance, and uptake of the HPV vaccine. The findings are anticipated to guide development of tailored interventions to increase HPV vaccination coverage in South Africa.

Indexed as

CaregiversHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHealth PersonnelImmunization ProgramsPapillomavirus InfectionsPapillomavirus VaccinesAdultFemaleHuman Papillomavirus VirusesHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchSouth AfricaUterine Cervical NeoplasmsPapillomavirus VaccinesAfricacervical cancerHuman papillomavirusvaccinationvaccine confidencevaccine safety

Identifiers

PMID41528774
PMCPMC12803003

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.