Human papilloma virus vaccination in teenage girls: a focus group evaluation.

Ramón Camaño-Puig, María M Sanchis-Martínez

Objective The low immunization coverage levels for the human papilloma virus vaccine has led to a need to analyze the causes that affect the decision to vaccinate, as expressed by those directly involved in making this decision -teenage girls. Methodology Therefore, we proposed an assessment with a focus group methodology. An evaluation with a pilot group and four focal groups was carried out in Tirant lo Blanc of Gandia secondary school. The girls that made up the groups belonged to different populations within the health department, including vaccinated, non-vaccinated, and incorrectly vaccinated teenage girls. Results The girls talked about their experiences, knowledge and opinions with respect to HPV vaccination, which could be summarized as showing a large knowledge gap and the existence of erroneous ideas. Conclusion A change in direction, involving the development of educational campaigns that empowers girls and their families to make suitable decisions, is necessary.