Varzea Grande

Researchers are evaluating how active health education methods affect adherence to the HPV vaccine among schoolchildren aged 9 to 14 years in Brazil. The study addresses recent declines in HPV vaccination among young people and aims to provide strong evidence on the effectiveness of direct educational interventions in schools. The trial involves approximately 5,000 students from 80 schools randomized into clusters. The study uses a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized design where clusters of schools switch to one of four intervention groups every two months. These groups include: active student education combined with teacher training and Basic Health Unit actions, active student education without teacher training plus Basic Health Unit actions, Basic Health Unit active orientation sessions led by nurses, and usual care with no specific intervention. Teacher training involves 30 hours of online self-instruction about vaccination. Participants will be monitored over 12 months to measure the proportion of children and adolescents receiving at least one dose of the HPV vaccine after the interventions. Researchers will assess vaccination coverage changes resulting from the different educational approaches. The study also includes training for teachers and health workers, school-based education for students, and community health unit involvement to promote vaccination.