Ochomo, Edwin OnyangoTonui, PhiliphMuthoka, KaptenAmboka, SayoItsura, PeterOrang’o, Elkanah OmengeRosen, BarryLoehrer, PatrickCu-Uvin, Susan2024-11-132024-11-132024-08-05Ochomo EO, Tonui P, Muthoka K, et al. 'Addressing HPV vaccine hesitancy: unveiling concerns and building trust' perspectives of adolescent girls and parents in Kisumu County, Kenya. Ecancermedicalscience. 2024;18:1735. Published 2024 Aug 5. doi:10.3332/ecancer.2024.1735https://hdl.handle.net/1805/44546Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination is highly effective in preventing vaccine-targeted HPV infection. However, low HPV vaccination coverage in Kisumu County, Kenya, at about 10% for the first dose, highlights the critical issue of vaccine hesitancy, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Methods: This study explores the concerns, myths and barriers to HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls (aged 10-14) enrolled at human immune-deficiency virus comprehensive care clinics and their parents in Kisumu County. Focused group discussions were conducted with 48 participants. Results: Content analysis revealed limited knowledge about the HPV vaccine and widespread misconceptions regarding its safety and efficacy. Financial constraints, injection fears and negative clinic experiences emerged as additional barriers. Conclusion: The findings emphasise the role of effective communication strategies, including engaging parents through written materials and involving them in decision-making, to dispel myths, provide accurate information and encourage HPV vaccination. Collaborative efforts with community stakeholders are crucial to improve vaccine coverage and ultimately reduce the cervical cancer burden.en-USAttribution 4.0 InternationalHPV vaccineKenyaAdolescent girlsCervical cancerVaccine hesitancyArticle