Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Prevention: Ghanaian Adolescent Students’ Perspectives Through Focus Group Discussion
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in reducing HPV-related cancers. However, little is known about Ghanaian adolescents' attitudes toward HPV vaccination. We examined the perspectives of Ghanaian adolescent students on HPV vaccination. We conducted four focus group discussions with students from School A (n=15), School B (n=20), School C (n=10), and School D (n=14) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Ten open-ended questions guided the discussions. Two independent coders transcribed and analyzed the data thematically using NVivo software. Fifty-nine students (mean age: 14.97 years, SD = 1.55) participated. Thematic analysis revealed: (a) low knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines, but strong general belief in vaccine benefits; (b) barriers such as fear of side effects (e.g., pain, death), misconceptions (e.g., infertility, "destroying the womb"), and vaccine cost; (c) facilitators including perceived vaccine effectiveness, social influences (parents, doctors, friends), school-based education, and altruistic motives; and (d) lack of adolescent-parent communication, though students expressed willingness to initiate conversations when informed. These insights highlight the socio-cultural and informational gaps that may impact vaccine uptake. Findings highlight the urgent need for culturally relevant, school-based HPV education programs in Ghana. Interventions should address common misconceptions, promote adolescent-parent communication, and leverage trusted influencers such as healthcare providers and teachers to improve HPV vaccine acceptance.