EHEPA Seminar 37

Behavioral, Social, and Structural Drivers of HPV Vaccine Uptake and Parental Confidence Among Out-of-School Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia
Subtitle: Findings from Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali Regions

Ethiopian Health Education and Promotion Professionals Association (EHEPA)

Assistant Professor of Health Education and Promotion, Project Officer EHEPA

Friday March 06, 2026 ⋅ 11am – 12pm (East Africa Time)

Virtual

This seminar will present findings from a community-based study assessing HPV vaccine uptake and parental confidence among out-of-school adolescent girls in underserved regions of Ethiopia. The study applies the WHO Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSD) framework to explore awareness, motivation, social norms, and structural barriers to vaccination. Results highlight low uptake (30.4%), limited awareness of cervical cancer and HPV, and the critical role of parental confidence and health worker recommendations. The presentation will discuss key predictors of uptake, barriers to equitable access, and actionable recommendations for community-based outreach and health system strengthening.