Navigating HPV Vaccination: a Qualitative Study on Chinese Women's Decision-Making Experiences.

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the decision experiences of adult women regarding HPV vaccination, highlighting their decision needs, outcomes, and expected support. A qualitative descriptive study design was used. A semi-structured interview guide based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) was used to interview Chinese women (aged 18 to 45). These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using deductive and inductive content analysis. Sociodemographic data were tabulated using descriptive statistics. Fifteen participants were interviewed, and three categories were constructed. (1) Unmet decision needs: participants have inadequate knowledge, biased knowledge sources, inadequate resources, and unrealistic expectations. (2) Current decision outcomes: the quality of decisions varied among participants, with some feeling satisfied and well-informed, while others expressed dissatisfaction due to unclear information and a lack of understanding. Twelve participants who decided to vaccinate adhered to their choice, managing side effects as expected. Three participants who chose not to vaccinate remained unvaccinated. (3) Expected decision support: participants expressed a need for systematic; reliable information presented in a user-friendly manner; improved access to vaccination services; and emotional support from family, friends, and healthcare providers to support making their HPV vaccine decision. Women deciding on HPV vaccination are facing several decision needs that need to be addressed. Future support targeting women's decision-making experience could provide them with better information, resource access, and emotional support, and eventually improve vaccination uptake.