December, 2023
HPV in Bangladesh
Understanding the drivers & barriers to HPV vaccine uptake
AT A GLANCE
Effective health outcomes are often rooted in behavior change. So, when we understand behaviors, we can create lasting public health improvements. This behavioral research (cross-sectional survey) of caregivers across Bangladesh was designed to support efforts to improve HPV vaccine uptake in Bangladesh and to protect future generations of girls.
MOTIVATION
The role of motivation in behavior change: Motivations are feelings, thoughts and perceptions that lead us to act in particular ways. The first step to disrupt or even change a behavior is often to understand the motivations surrounding it.
ABILITY
The role of ability in behavior change: Ability makes a behavior easier or even possible to do. For instance, by making vaccinations or access to medical care simple and free, people are more likely to vaccinate or seek care.
KEY INSIGHTS
Behavioral Insights help us understand how humans behave and make decisions. Insights from this report identify key motivation and ability factors impacting HPV vaccination uptake in the region surveyed.
MOTIVATION INSIGHT #1
THE POWER OF HOPE:
BELIEF IN BENEFITS OF THE HPV VACCINE
The power of hope in a better future drives HPV vaccination uptake. When caregivers believe the HPV vaccine offers girls a brighter future, they are 11 percentage points more likely to vaccinate the girls they care for (44% compared to 33%, even after controlling for a variety of factors). By nurturing caregivers' confidence that the HPV vaccine protects girls from the threat of cervical cancer, we can motivate HPV vaccination.
MOTIVATION INSIGHT #2
THE POWER OF SOCIAL NORMS
Social norms significantly influence health behaviors. When caregivers perceive that friends and family support HPV vaccination, they are more likely to vaccinate their girls. Normalizing the vaccine plays a crucial role in increasing uptake. Foster a sense of widespread acceptance and support to positively shift vaccination rates and protect more girls from cervical cancer.
MOTIVATION INSIGHT #3
AMPLIFYING GIRLS’ VOICES DRIVES
HPV VACCINE UPTAKE
When caregivers know their girls want the HPV vaccine, their expectation that they will get vaccinated increases by 23 percentage points. This finding indicates that caregivers and their children are talking about the vaccine – girls are thinking about their futures, and caregivers are valuing their voices. We don’t have to start from scratch; simply encouraging these conversations can have a significant impact. How can we amplify this interaction?
BEHAVIOR CHANGE INTERVENTIONS
Behavior change interventions are coordinated activities designed to change specific behaviors. Below, each key insight is accompanied by survey data and intervention ideas that may be worth exploring. What do you want to try? What will resonate with your audience?
INSIGHT #1 INTERVENTIONS
Of respondents think the HPV vaccine will help their girls have a better future.
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Wondering how to use this insight in your intervention? Below are some ideas to get your brainstorm started.
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Consider running a series of inspiring short videos of a diverse set of girls sharing their dreams of the future: "When I grow up, I want to be [dream profession]."
Make the link between hope and the vaccine: "I got the HPV vaccine to make sure cervical cancer won't stand in my way.” Register your daughter for the HPV Vaccine today.
Share the video series on social media, television, and radio for maximum reach and impact.
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Consider hosting online and in-person Q&As with inspiring women in STEM or other culturally revered fields. Ask these women to share their journeys, emphasizing the role of health, nutrition, and vaccination in academic and professional success. Encourage audience participation and create social media content from these sessions to promote empowerment and the importance of health in reaching one's potential.
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Envision running a campaign featuring parents' heartfelt dreams for their daughters. Each message might end with: "I refuse to let cervical cancer stand in the way of my daughter's future. That's why we chose HPV vaccination." These testimonials could then be shared on social media and/or in print, TV, and radio spots to encourage parents to protect their daughters' health.
INSIGHT #2 INTERVENTIONS
Of respondents with family and friends who approve of the HPV vaccine were more likely to vaccinate their girls.
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Wondering how to use this insight in your intervention? Below are some ideas to get your brainstorm started.
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Consider placing visual cues in clinics and public spaces to normalize HPV vaccination. Give out eye-catching stickers after vaccination and create photo booths in clinics for people to proudly share their experiences on social media. These prompts could spark conversations, generate social proof, and reinforce the perception that HPV vaccination is widely embraced within the community.
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Consider launching a campaign featuring relatable stories from supportive caregivers across digital and traditional media. You could share these narratives on social media, radio, and at community gatherings to showcase positive experiences and motivations behind choosing HPV vaccination. By amplifying these voices, we aim to create social proof that HPV vaccination is trusted and valued among caregivers, as well as other family members and friends.
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Explore ways to partner with schools, healthcare providers, and local authorities to integrate HPV vaccine education into community programs. Through workshops, curricula, and events, we'll deepen understanding, stimulate informed discussions, and normalize HPV vaccination as routine healthcare. By making HPV education a part of daily life, we aim to create a healthier future for our community.
INSIGHT #3 INTERVENTIONS
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Wondering how to use this insight in your intervention? Below are some ideas to get your brainstorm started.
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Consider empower girls to lead the conversation in a multi-channel campaign featuring their personal reasons for wanting the HPV vaccine. Amplify their voices through captivating visuals, short videos, and collaborations with young female influencers sharing their own stories. By showcasing girls' desire for vaccination, we inspire caregivers to support their health and well-being.
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Consider empowering girls to become HPV vaccination advocates by providing visual tools for them to publicly express support where culturally appropriate. Distribute eye-catching stickers after vaccination and create inviting photo spaces in schools and clinics where girls can proudly share their experiences on social media. By enabling girls to advocate for their own health, we inspire their peers to follow suit.
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Leverage key moments like the International Day of the Girl (October 11, 2024) to amplify messages of hope, empowerment, and a cancer-free future for girls through HPV vaccination. Engage influential leaders to echo these messages during existing events and campaigns. By tapping into these powerful platforms, we can inspire girls to take charge of their health and create a groundswell of support for HPV vaccination.
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