The Acceptability of Pharmacy-Based HPV Vaccination in Western Kenya among Pharmacy Clients and Providers

Abstract

Vaccine coverage for the human papillomavirus (HPV) remains low globally, and differentiated models of vaccine delivery are needed to expand access. Pharmacy-based models of the HPV vaccination may engage women who could benefit. We assessed the acceptability of such a model among pharmacy clients and providers at 20 private pharmacies in Kisumu County, Kenya. In questionnaires, participants (≥18 years) were asked the extent they agreed (5-point scale) with statements that assessed different acceptability component constructs outlined in the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). From March to June 2022, 1500 pharmacy clients and 40 providers were enrolled and completed questionnaires. Most clients liked the intervention (TFA: affective attitude; 96%, 1435/1500) and did not think it would be hard to obtain (TFA: burden; 93%, 1399/1500). All providers agreed the intervention could reduce HPV infection (TFA: perceived effectiveness) and felt confident they could deliver it (TFA: self-efficacy). Among the clients who had received or were planning to receive the HPV vaccine in the future, half (50%, 178/358) preferred a pharmacy-based HPV vaccination. In this study, most Kenyan pharmacy clients and providers perceived a pharmacy-delivered HPV vaccination as highly acceptable; however, more research is needed to test the feasibility and effectiveness of this novel vaccine delivery model in Africa.