Behavioral and Social Drivers of HPV Uptake among Out-of-School Adolescent Girls in Selected Regions of Ethiopia

Project Overview

Cervical cancer, primarily caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), remains one of the most deadly cancers affecting women in Ethiopia. Despite the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2018 for girls, uptake remains critically low, especially among out-of-school adolescent girls in underserved populations. To address this gap, this project investigates the behavioral and social factors influencing the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among out-of-school adolescent girls aged 9–14 in Ethiopia’s Afar, Somali, Gambella, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. Led by EHEPA in collaboration with UNICEF Ethiopia, this study aims to generate actionable insights to improve vaccine demand, delivery, and equity

Objectives

• Assess HPV vaccination status among out-of-school adolescent girls

• Identify behavioral and social barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake

• Recommend evidence-based interventions to enhance HPV vaccine coverage

Conceptual Framework

The study is guided by the WHO & UNICEF Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSD) of Vaccination Framework, which examines:

• Thinking & Feeling: Perceived disease risk, vaccine confidence

• Social Processes: Influence of family, religious leaders, health workers, and gender norms

• Motivation: Intention to vaccinate

• Practical Issues: Availability, affordability, access, service quality, respect from health workers

Regions Covered: Afar, Somali, Gambella, Benishangul-Gumuz

These dimensions collectively shape vaccine uptake and inform targeted strategies to improve demand and delivery.

Funding & Collaboration

This project is generously funded by UNICEF Ethiopia and ethically approved by the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) Institutional Review Board. It reflects EHEPA’s commitment to advancing adolescent health, equity, and evidence-based public health promotion in Ethiopia.