Background
In Switzerland, the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccination was introduced in 2007. In an official letter, young women, aged between 15 and 26 years, were presented with the option to be vaccinated for free.
Aim
The study investigates how young women perceive the information in the letter and how this information influences their position on HPV vaccination.
Methods
The study uses a qualitative content-analysis approach. Thirteen student teachers were asked to read the letter and compose their written positions. These were evaluated in detail.
Results
Only three participants assumed a positive position on HPV vaccinations after reading the letter. Analysis shows that processing of the information provided takes place in a complex situational construction, which is influenced by a person’s experiences, self-reflections and cultural embedding. In such contexts, clear statements can be interpreted in unexpected ways. In particular, this can lead to misunderstandings of factually correct information, which has an adverse impact on women’s readiness to be vaccinated.
Conclusion
Brief information, as it is presented in information letters and flyers provided without precise knowledge of the target audience can be more problematic than is generally assumed. In particular, a simple quantitative relationship between information and willingness to be vaccinated, as often suggested in literature, is questionable. The study identifies important aspects that can lead to misunderstandings in connection with the HPV vaccination, and which need to be addressed.