Characterization of Immunization Messaging on HPV Vaccine Uptake for Cervical Cancer Prevention among Caregivers of Young Adolescent Girls aged 10 -14 Years in Kajiado County
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhmn.3780Keywords:
Adolescent Health, Immunization Messaging, HPV Vaccine Uptake, Cervical CancerAbstract
Purpose: This study sought to establish characterization of immunization messaging for HPV vaccine uptake for cervical cancer prevention among caregivers of young adolescent girls aged 10 -14 years in Kajiado County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study applied a mixed method research design. It combined qualitative and quantitative study approaches. This study utilized Health Belief Model (HBM) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The population of the study included all the parents/caregivers of the young adolescent girls 10 – 14 years in Kajiado County who passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study adopted multi-stage sampling to select the respondents and the location of study. Purposive sampling was applied to choose Kajiado County. Four out of all the 5 sub counties/constituencies namely; Kajiado Central, Kajiado South, Kajiado East and Kajiado West were included in the study.
Findings: The study found that message characterization strongly influenced HPV vaccine uptake by framing cervical cancer prevention as empowering and manageable, encouraging caregivers to take action. Messages that were clear, culturally appropriate, and delivered by trusted health workers, which enhanced understanding and acceptance. Within the conceptual framework, this reflects the role of HPV immunization messages and communication strategies (independent variables) in directly influencing HPV vaccine uptake (dependent variable), with positive framing increasing uptake and negative perceptions reducing it, while government policy moderates this relationship.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that the characterization of immunization messaging for cervical cancer prevention should be culturally sensitive and aligned with the beliefs and values of the Kajiado County community. It emphasized that messages should be framed in an empowering, clear, and relatable manner to enhance understanding, acceptance, and positive perception among caregivers, thereby improving HPV vaccine uptake.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Samson Chege Thuo, Dr. G. Musuruve Inimah, Dr. Mary Amatu
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