Formative research to inform information, education and communication materials ahead of HPV vaccine re-introduction in Mongolia

Abstract Abstract:  The 2012 HPV vaccination pilot in Mongolia was met with widespread community resistance and misinformation. Targeted stakeholder action since 2012 has led to a decision to re-introduce the HPV vaccine from 2020. This formative research study is the first to identify information and communication needs among key population groups in Mongolia ahead of vaccine re-introduction. This qualitative study was conducted across five provinces and two capital city districts of Mongolia. Small focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews were held with GP doctors, school doctors, immunization nurses and teachers and parents of girls aged 10–13 years. The study recruited 91 parents, 62 teachers and 47 health professionals. Knowledge varied between and within study populations. Overall, participants demonstrated positive attitudes and practices towards vaccination generally. Knowledge surrounding the HPV vaccine specifically was very low across all population groups, with negative attitudes linked to previous misinformation. Health professionals identified a need for a unified information source on vaccination and greater technical training. The study highlights a clear need for increased awareness raising on HPV, cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine in order to avoid another communication crisis in the 2020 vaccine re-introduction.