Barriers to HPV vaccination in marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia

Daniela Filakovska Bobakova; Daniela Filakovska Bobakova; Jana Plavnicka; Ingrid Urbancikova; Michael Edelstein; Danielle Jansen; Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1239963

Frontiers in Public Health (Dec 2023)

Barriers to HPV vaccination in marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia

Daniela Filakovska Bobakova,
Daniela Filakovska Bobakova,
Jana Plavnicka,
Ingrid Urbancikova,
Michael Edelstein,
Danielle Jansen,
Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska

Affiliations

Daniela Filakovska Bobakova: Department of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
Daniela Filakovska Bobakova: Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
Jana Plavnicka: Department of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
Ingrid Urbancikova: Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
Michael Edelstein: Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
Danielle Jansen: Department of Primary and Long-term Care, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska: Department of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1239963
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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IntroductionLimited access to healthcare services leads to lower vaccination rates in marginalized Roma communities (MRCs). This study aimed to explore health system barriers to HPV vaccination faced by people from MRCs from multiple perspectives.MethodsThe qualitative study was conducted in Slovakia in 2021/22 with 43 community members and health professionals. Data were analyzed using a combination of content analysis and consensual qualitative research.ResultsA substantial barrier to vaccination is limited coverage of vaccination expenses for certain age categories by health insurance. Moreover, Slovakia faces a significant shortage of healthcare personnel, leading to work overload and a lack of capacity and motivation to address HPV vaccination. Impaired relationships between health care providers and people from MRCs lead to the avoidance of healthcare services, which contributes to insufficient delivery of information and a lack of awareness regarding HPV-related diseases and vaccination.ConclusionStrengthening the capacities of health care providers, expanding the age group covered by health insurance and providing tailored information to people from MRCs are necessary prerequisites to increase the availability of HPV vaccination and enable people to make informed decisions about HPV vaccination.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health

ISSN: 2296-2565 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health

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