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The article discusses a study on the experience of fear, the fear response and factors influencing fear in adolescent girls undergoing school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Sydney, New South Wales. Results of the study indicated that fear-promotion factors included witnessing the fear reactions of peers, peers' perceived judgment, misinformation or lack of information and undergoing vaccination later in the day. The proactive management of fear and distress is recommended to improve school vaccination programs.

The article provides information on a study which examined the factors that were perceived to affect school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in Sydney, New South Wales. Background information on the delivery of vaccination strategies for young adolescent girls in New South Wales is offered. Data collection was done through structured focus groups with girls offered the vaccine, one-on-one interviews with parents, teachers and nurses and observations in schools during vaccination delivery. The categorization of the themes that emerged from the participants' experience is explained.

Background: Little is known about acceptability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among parents of adolescents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes of parents from Arabic backgrounds towards HPV vaccination offered to their children in the national school-based vaccination program. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted in Western Sydney, with parents of adolescents from Arabic backgrounds. Recruitment was via informal personal contacts and passive snowballing. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted in Arabic. These were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes. Results: Commonly identified themes across fifteen interviews included: (1) lack of awareness and knowledge of HPV and its vaccination, (2) awareness and understanding of the government vaccination information sheet, (3) parents' preferences for information provision, (4) the role of parents' religious beliefs in forming attitudes about HPV vaccination, and (5) lost opportunities to educate parents about HPV vaccination during general practitioner (GP) visits. Conclusion: The findings point to the need to address cultural, language, and communication barriers to improve awareness and acceptability of HPV vaccination in the Arabic community. Educational strategies should be tailored to this community based on their specific information needs and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]