A pilot feasibility study to evaluate the impact of HPV education
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot feasibility study to evaluate the impact of an HPV education intervention on knowledge, empowerment, and vaccination uptake among Year 12 students (ages 15-16) in Northern Ireland, UK.
IRAS ID
368821
Contact name
Terri Flood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 20 days
Research summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can cause several types of cancer later in life, including cervical, throat, and other cancers that affect both women and men. A safe and effective vaccine can prevent most HPV-related cancers. In the UK, this vaccine is usually offered in schools at ages 12–13. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer young people have received the HPV vaccine, especially in areas of greater social disadvantage. Many teenagers also have limited knowledge about HPV, and some are unsure whether they are allowed to make vaccination decisions themselves.
This study aims to develop and test a new school-based HPV education programme for Year 12 students (aged 15–16) in Northern Ireland. The programme will be designed together with students, nurses, teachers, and public health professionals to make sure it is clear, relevant, and engaging. It will be delivered by trained nurses and will focus on helping students understand what HPV is, why vaccination matters for everyone, and how to make informed decisions about their health. The programme will also explain when and how young people can legally consent to vaccination themselves.
The study will take place in a small number of schools with lower HPV vaccination rates. Researchers will explore whether the education sessions are practical to deliver, acceptable to students and schools, and whether they improve knowledge, confidence, and vaccine uptake. The findings will be used to improve the programme and decide whether a larger study should be carried out in the future.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NE/0080
Date of REC Opinion
6 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion