Strengthening HPV Vaccination and Adolescent Health Research Program (SHARP) in Ivory Coast

What this Trial Is About

Cervical cancer is a major health issue worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is the leading cancer among women. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) helps prevent cervical cancer and is usually given to children aged 9 to 15 years. This research evaluates how combining HPV vaccination with adolescent primary care and preventive health services affects vaccine uptake and other health services in Côte d'Ivoire. The study aims to make service delivery more convenient and effective for adolescents in schools, communities, and health facilities. The study compares an intervention group receiving an optimized integrated adolescent health service package, including HPV vaccination, with a comparison group receiving routine adolescent health services. The intervention includes expanded availability of services through schools, communities, and health facilities, as well as community awareness activities. The comparison group receives the standard Systematic Medical Visit program for adolescents. The research uses a quasi-experimental design with data collected over time in two regions, each with intervention and comparison districts. Participants will be adolescents aged 9 to 15 and their parents or caregivers living in the study regions. The study involves surveys of households, parents, and adolescents at the beginning and end of the study, as well as interviews with program managers and community members. Researchers will measure HPV vaccination rates, intentions to vaccinate, knowledge about HPV, and attitudes towards integrated services. Service coverage data will be collected monthly during the intervention. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and sustainability of the integrated adolescent health package over several months.

Integrated HPV Vaccination and Adolescent Health in Ivory Coast