A qualitative study of women who experience side effects from human papillomavirus vaccination

作者：Sorensen Tina^*; Andersen Pernille Tanggaard

来源：Danish Medical Journal, 2016, 63(12): A5314.

INTRODUCTION: In Denmark, vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is offered to girls and women to prevent cervical cancer. Unfortunately, reporting of possible side effects from vaccination has increased in recent years. Therefore, the present study examines women's experiences of side effects from the HPV vaccine.
METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with eight HPV-vaccinated Danish women, aged 25-44 years, who experience side effects from the vaccine. The data were analysed using a narrative methodology.
RESULTS: The main reasons for being vaccinated against HPV are fear of cancer and trust in general practitioners (GPs). The women reported feeling stigmatised by GPs and doctors and they feel that these professionals did not acknowledge their symptoms, often assuming that they were due to psychological distress. The lack of acceptance from family and friends has led the women to distance themselves from others and lead a more socially isolated life. The women believe that a diagnosis may validate their symptoms and help others accept their condition.
CONCLUSIONS: The women feel exceedingly physically and mentally confined in their everyday life, which led them to live a more restricted and solitary life. Since other people tend not to acknowledge their symptoms, the women's illness behaviour is poorly accepted. The women generally distrust Danish healthcare as they have experienced stigmatisation from physicians and do not trust the evidence for the safety of the vaccine.

• 出版日期2016-12