Vacuna contra el virus del papiloma humano en adolescentes: Análisis mediante grupos focales / Human papilloma virus vaccination in teenage girls: a focus group evaluation

Objetivo La obtención de niveles de cobertura bajos frente a la vacunación contra el virus del papiloma humano, ha planteado la necesidad de analizar las causas que están afectando a la toma de decisiones sobre la administración de la vacuna, a partir de las manifestaciones de aquellas directamente implicadas, las adolescentes. Métodos Por tanto, se ha planteado la realización de una evaluación mediante la utilización de la metodología de grupos focales. Se han realizado un grupo piloto y cuatro grupos focales en el Instituto Tirant lo Blanc de Gandía con adolescentes pertenecientes a distintas poblaciones del departamento, incluyendo en los mismos adolescentes vacunadas, no vacunadas y con vacunación incorrecta. Resultados Las su experiencia, conocimientos y opiniones respecto a la vacunación frente al VPH que pueden resumirse en la existencia de ideas erróneas y una carencia importante de conocimientos. Conclusión Es necesario un cambio de dirección basado en el desarrollo de campañas educativas, que sirvan para poder obrar con responsabilidad y poder al mismo tiempo tomar decisiones adecuadas.

Objective The low immunization coverage levels for the human papilloma virus vaccine has led to a need to analyze the causes that affect the decision to vaccinate, as expressed by those directly involved in making this decision -teenage girls. Methodology Therefore, we proposed an assessment with a focus group methodology. An evaluation with a pilot group and four focal groups was carried out in Tirant lo Blanc of Gandia secondary school. The girls that made up the groups belonged to different populations within the health department, including vaccinated, non-vaccinated, and incorrectly vaccinated teenage girls. Results The girls talked about their experiences, knowledge and opinions with respect to HPV vaccination, which could be summarized as showing a large knowledge gap and the existence of erroneous ideas. Conclusion A change in direction, involving the development of educational campaigns that empowers girls and their families to make suitable decisions, is necessary.

Recently Occurring Adult Tetanus in Korea: Emphasis on Immunization and Awareness of Tetanus

Since a nationwide childhood vaccination with tetanus toxoid, tetanus has become a rare disease in Korea. However, we recently experienced 17 cases of adult tetanus in a university hospital during a 21-month period. Seventy percent of the patients were female, and the mean age was 63 yr (range, 29-87). The majority (88.2%) of the patients did not get primary vaccinations for tetanus and decennial tetanus-diph-theria toxoid booster. Most patients (88.2%), who sustained acute injury, did not seek medical care for their wounds or did not receive the prophylaxis for tetanus. Tetanus was found most frequently among farmers. Tetanus was diagnosed initially only in 53% of patients. The case-fatality ratio was 23.5%. These cases show that recently occurring tetanus in Korea is a disease, affecting the elderly and the female who may have a lower immunity against tetanus, and the farmers who are likely to be exposed to Clostridium tetani. In addition, diagnosis of tetanus is often delayed in area where cases are seen infrequently. Therefore, improved education among patients and physicians, emphasis of anti-tetanus immunization and awareness of tetanus respectively, may be essential for the prevention of disease and the reduction of its mortality.