TY - JOUR

T1 - Mapping HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening Practice in the Pacific Region-Strengthening National and Regional Cervical Cancer Prevention

AU - Obel, J

AU - McKenzie, J

AU - Buenconsejo-Lum, L E

AU - Durand, A M

AU - Ekeroma, A

AU - Souares, Y

AU - Hoy, D

AU - Baravilala, W

AU - Garland, S M

AU - Kjaer, S K

AU - Roth, A

PY - 2015

Y1 - 2015

N2 - OBJECTIVE: To provide background information for strengthening cervical cancer prevention in the Pacific by mapping current human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening practices, as well as intent and barriers to the introduction and maintenance of national HPV vaccination programmes in the region.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey among ministry of health officials from 21 Pacific Island countries and territories (n=21).RESULTS: Cervical cancer prevention was rated as highly important, but implementation of prevention programs were insufficient, with only two of 21 countries and territories having achieved coverage of cervical cancer screening above 40%. Ten of 21 countries and territories had included HPV vaccination in their immunization schedule, but only two countries reported coverage of HPV vaccination above 60% among the targeted population. Key barriers to the introduction and continuation of HPV vaccination were reported to be: (i) Lack of sustainable financing for HPV vaccine programs; (ii) Lack of visible government endorsement; (iii) Critical public perception of the value and safety of the HPV vaccine; and (iv) Lack of clear guidelines and policies for HPV vaccination.CONCLUSION: Current practices to prevent cervical cancer in the Pacific Region do not match the high burden of disease from cervical cancer. A regional approach, including reducing vaccine prices by bulk purchase of vaccine, technical support for implementation of prevention programs, operational research and advocacy could strengthen political momentum for cervical cancer prevention and avoid risking the lives of many women in the Pacific.

AB - OBJECTIVE: To provide background information for strengthening cervical cancer prevention in the Pacific by mapping current human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening practices, as well as intent and barriers to the introduction and maintenance of national HPV vaccination programmes in the region.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey among ministry of health officials from 21 Pacific Island countries and territories (n=21).RESULTS: Cervical cancer prevention was rated as highly important, but implementation of prevention programs were insufficient, with only two of 21 countries and territories having achieved coverage of cervical cancer screening above 40%. Ten of 21 countries and territories had included HPV vaccination in their immunization schedule, but only two countries reported coverage of HPV vaccination above 60% among the targeted population. Key barriers to the introduction and continuation of HPV vaccination were reported to be: (i) Lack of sustainable financing for HPV vaccine programs; (ii) Lack of visible government endorsement; (iii) Critical public perception of the value and safety of the HPV vaccine; and (iv) Lack of clear guidelines and policies for HPV vaccination.CONCLUSION: Current practices to prevent cervical cancer in the Pacific Region do not match the high burden of disease from cervical cancer. A regional approach, including reducing vaccine prices by bulk purchase of vaccine, technical support for implementation of prevention programs, operational research and advocacy could strengthen political momentum for cervical cancer prevention and avoid risking the lives of many women in the Pacific.

KW - Adolescent

KW - Adult

KW - Cross-Sectional Studies

KW - Early Detection of Cancer

KW - Female

KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

KW - Health Policy

KW - Humans

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Pacific Islands

KW - Papillomavirus Infections

KW - Papillomavirus Vaccines

KW - Practice Guidelines as Topic

KW - Practice Patterns, Physicians'

KW - Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

KW - Young Adult

U2 - 10.7314/APJCP.2015.16.8.3435

DO - 10.7314/APJCP.2015.16.8.3435

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 25921158

VL - 16

SP - 3435

EP - 3442

JO - Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

JF - Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

SN - 1513-7368

IS - 8

ER -