Effective nonvaccine interventions to be considered alongside human papilloma virus vaccine delivery.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to identify effective adolescent health interventions, including iron supplementation, that could be delivered alongside the HPV vaccine in lower- and middle-income countries.
Results Summary
Iron supplementation reduced iron-deficiency anemia and raised serum ferritin levels, demonstrating a positive impact on iron status. The study found limited evidence of consistent positive impact across all interventions, but iron supplementation was one of the few with measurable benefits.
Population
Girls aged 9-13 years in lower- and middle-income countries.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iron supplementation | decrease | iron-deficiency anemia | - | - | reduced | #1 |
Iron supplementation | increase | serum ferritin levels | - | - | raised | #2 |
Promotion of physical activity | decrease | blood pressure | - | - | lowered | #3 |
Promotion of physical activity | decrease | weight gain | - | - | reduced | #4 |
Sexual and reproductive health and human immunodeficiency virus interventions | increase | adolescent communication with adults | - | - | improved | #5 |
Sexual and reproductive health and human immunodeficiency virus interventions | no change | behavioral outcomes | - | - | did not influence | #6 |
World Health Organization recommends that girls, ages 9-13 years, get the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. Global Alliance for Vaccines Initiative, which provides low-cost vaccine to eligible countries, requires that an additional intervention to be offered alongside the vaccine. We systematically searched and assessed the published literature in lower- and middle-income countries to identify effective interventions. We conducted systematic searches of four databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Global Index Medicus Regional Databases, and Cochrane Reviews for effective adolescent health interventions that could be delivered with the HPV vaccine in the following areas: (1) iron and folic acid supplementation (iron alone or with folic acid); (2) voucher delivery and cash transfer programs; (3) hand washing and soap provision; (4) vision screening; (5) promotion of physical activity/exercise; (6) menstrual hygiene education; (7) sexual and reproductive health education; (8) human immunodeficiency virus prevention activities; and (9) condom promotion, condom use skill building, and demonstration. We found limited evidence of consistent positive impact. Iron supplementation reduced iron-deficiency anemia and raised serum ferritin levels. Promotion of physical activity lowered blood pressure and reduced weight gain. Sexual and reproductive health and human immunodeficiency virus interventions improved adolescent communication with adults but did not influence behavioral outcomes. Countries should consider locally relevant and proven interventions to be offered alongside the HPV vaccine.