Browsing by Author "Itsura, Peter"

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    ‘Addressing HPV vaccine hesitancy: unveiling concerns and building trust’ perspectives of adolescent girls and parents in Kisumu County, Kenya
    (eCancer Global Foundation, 2024-08-05) Ochomo, Edwin Onyango; Tonui, Philiph; Muthoka, Kapten; Amboka, Sayo; Itsura, Peter; Orang’o, Elkanah Omenge; Rosen, Barry; Loehrer, Patrick; Cu-Uvin, Susan; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Introduction: 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.
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    Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Acceptability of Prevention Strategies Among Human Papillomavirus-Vaccinated and Human Papillomavirus-Unvaccinated Adolescent Women in Eldoret, Kenya
    (Mary Ann Liebert, 2019-08-20) Mburu, Anisa; Itsura, Peter; Mabeya, Hillary; Kaaria, Alice; Brown, Daaron R.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Cervical cancer is a critical public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescents are key targets in primary prevention strategies. Following a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiative (Gardasil) in Eldoret, Kenya, the knowledge and source of information of cervical cancer and acceptance of prevention strategies among vaccinated and unvaccinated adolescents were evaluated. A cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 60 vaccinated and 120 unvaccinated adolescent women. Institutional ethical approval was obtained and signed consent was obtained from the parents. Data collection was performed using interviewer-administered questionnaires derived from factual statements based on information from print material used for community sensitization on cervical cancer. The median age of the participants was 14.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 13.0-15.0). Of 60 vaccinated adolescents, 56 (93.3%) had heard of the HPV vaccine compared with 6 (5%) of unvaccinated participants (p < 0.001). Of 60 vaccinated participants, 58 (96.7%) had heard of cervical cancer compared with 61 (50.8%) unvaccinated participants (p < 0.001). Both cohorts identified the school as the main source of information for cervical cancer. The two groups also showed similarity in their selection of cervical cancer prevention strategies acceptable to them such as delaying sexual debut, limiting number of sexual partners, and use of condoms for protection against sexually transmitted infections. Of 120 unvaccinated participants, 63.7% expressed willingness to be vaccinated. Exposure to the HPV vaccine was associated with a higher knowledge of cervical cancer. The adolescents predominantly rely on the school for health information. Both cohorts of adolescents showed remarkable acceptability for cervical cancer prevention strategies.