Are there any sociodemographic factors associated with non-uptake of HPV vaccination of girls in high-income countries with school-based vaccination programmes? A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is generally high in high-income countries with school-based vaccination programmes; however, lower uptake in certain population subgroups could continue pre-immunisation inequalities in cervical cancer.

Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for quantitative articles published between 1 September 2006 and 20 February 2023, which were representative of the general population, with individual-level data on routine school-based vaccination (with >50% coverage) and sociodemographic measures. Titles, abstracts and full-text articles were screened for eligibility criteria and assessed for bias. A second independent reviewer randomly screened 20% of articles at each stage. A narrative synthesis summarised findings.

Results: 24 studies based in eight countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK) were included. Studies reported vaccination uptake by individual-level and area-level socioeconomic status (SES), parental education, religion, ethnicity and/or country of birth. 19 studies reported that more than 70% were vaccinated (range: 50.7%-93.0%). Minority ethnic groups and migrants were more likely to have lower vaccination uptake than White groups and non-migrants (11/11 studies). Lower SES was also associated with lower uptake of vaccination (11/17 studies). Associations with other sociodemographic characteristics, such as parental education and religion, were less clear.

Conclusions: Even in high-income countries with high coverage school-based vaccination programmes, inequalities are seen. The totality of available evidence suggests girls from lower SES and minority ethnic groups tend to be less likely to be vaccinated. Findings could inform targeted approaches to mop-up vaccination and cervical cancer screening amidst changing HPV epidemiology in a vaccine era.

Trial registration number: CRD42023399648.