Strategies for Improving Participation in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Young Adults in the Capital of Iran: A Qualitative-Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND

Different strategies can promote healthy behaviors. Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is very important due to its effect in reducing cervical cancer, the behavior of HPV vaccination is low among young adults in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to determine strategies for improving HPV vaccination among young adults.

METHODS

The present study was conducted with a qualitative content analysis method. The participants were 30 health professionals and young adults in Tehran city who were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. The data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed by Graneheim and Lundman's approach.

RESULTS

In total, two categories were identified: (1) access to services: access to the vaccine, vaccine insurance coverage; (2) educational coverage: subgroup training, educational content, time for training, educational channels, education strategies, and educational conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study conducted to determine strategies for improving HPV vaccination in Iran. The policymakers and planners, schools, and health centers are recommended to use the strategies obtained from this study to increase HPV vaccine imports, as well as increase the community members' knowledge and acceptance of the HPV vaccine.