Edinburgh Napier University

  In the United Kingdom (UK), cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under 35 years. Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are sexually transmitted viruses which may contribute towards over 70% of cervical cancer cases. Since 2008 a national school-based HPV vaccination programme has been implemented in Scotland. This programme has targeted schoolgirls aged 12-13 with high uptake rates above 90%. A three-year catch-up campaign has also been offered to vaccinate girls aged 13 to 17. However, studies have suggested that some sub-groups may be missed and are harder to engage in the HPV vaccine programme. Two such sub-groups include young people from an ethnic minority background and those diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Little research has specifically focused on these groups. This study focuses on exploring the views and experiences of young people (16-26 years) with the HPV vaccine by targeting these under-represented groups.