Isme Humolli

Introduction: From 12 March 2020, when the first cases of COVID-19 were registered in Kosovo, to 9 March 2023, there were a total of 273,310 reported cases of COVID-19 and 3211 reported deaths in Kosovo (CFR: 1.17%). Health care workers (HCWs) have been at a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection; nevertheless, data on seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs in Kosovo are very limited. Methodology: A cross-sectional serology study with 1654 healthcare professionals throughout Kosovo was conducted to determine the presence of antibodies against the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, a structured questionnaire was administered to study participants to obtain basic demographic data, and information on prior infection and COVID-19 vaccination status. Results: Antibodies against the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in almost all (99.8%) HCWs that participated in the study. The average antibody titer was 8030.8 AU/mL in women and 9533.7 AU/mL in men. Sixty-four percent of HCWs in this study reported prior infection with SARS-CoV-2, 6% of whom were hospitalized. Over 98% of study participants had received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Conclusions: Almost all HCWs participating in the study had antibodies against the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2. This is most probably the result of the high COVID-19 vaccination rate in Kosovo as well as infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction: From 12 March 2000 when the first cases of COVID-19 were registered in Kosovo, to 9 March 2023 there were a total of 273,310 reported cases of COVID-19 and 3,211 reported deaths in Kosovo (CFR: 1.17%). Health care workers (HCWs) have been at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 infection; nevertheless, data on seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs in Kosovo are very limited. Methodology: A cross-sectional serology study with 1,654 healthcare professionals throughout of Kosovo was conducted to determine the presence of antibodies to the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, a structured questionnaire was administered to study participants to obtain basic demographic data, and information on prior infection and COVID-19 vaccination status. Results: Antibodies to spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in almost all (99.8%) HCWs that participated in the study. The average antibody titer was 8,347 AU/ml in women and 9,533.7 AU/ml in men. Sixty-four percent of HCWs in this study reported prior infection with COVID-19, 6% of whom were hospitalized. Over 98% of study participants had received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Conclusions: Almost all HCWs participating in the study had antibodies against the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2. This is most probably the result of the high COVID-19 vaccination rate in Kosovo as well as infection with COVID-19.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which presents a significant health burden in low- and middle-income settings such as Kosovo^†, where it is the second leading cause of death among women. HPV vaccines are highly effective and integral to global cervical cancer elimination efforts. In 2024, Kosovo^† introduced the HPV vaccine into its immunisation schedule via a school-based program targeting sixth-grade girls. Rapid, theory-based insights supported development of a tailored communication and intervention plan ahead of the introduction. Methods: Over a two-week period, qualitative research was conducted with 102 participants, including healthcare professionals, parents, girls in the target age group, school staff, and community influencers. Data collection, analysis, and intervention development were carried out using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) model, underpinned by the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation for Behaviour change (COM-B) theoretical framework. Results: Trust in school-based immunisation and healthcare professionals emerged as key drivers, while a predominance of capability- and physical-opportunity-related barriers across target groups underscored the need for targeted communication and capacity-building efforts for all stakeholders. Using the BCW model, communication and intervention activities were developed for implementation by partners. Conclusions: Using rapid insight research grounded in the BCW model enabled the timely identification of behavioural drivers and barriers to HPV vaccine acceptance and supported development of a targeted intervention plan. The findings echoed global research on HPV vaccine introduction, highlighting context-specific needs and enablers and contributing to a successful rollout marked by high uptake within the first six months.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause cervical cancer, which presents a significant health burden in low- and middle-income contexts like Kosovo1, where it is the second cause of death among women. HPV vaccines are effective and integral to global cervical cancer elimination efforts. In 2024, Kosovo1 introduced the HPV vaccine in the immunization schedule via a school-based introduction for sixth-grade girls. Rapid theory-based insights research supported development of a tailored communication and intervention plan ahead of introduction. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted with 102 participants over two weeks, including healthcare professionals, parents, target-aged girls, school staff, and community influencers. Data collection and analysis, and intervention development were carried out using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) model, grounded in the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation for Behaviour change (COM-B) theoretical framework. Results: Findings indicated trust in school-based immunization and healthcare professionals as key drivers, while a predominance of capability and physical opportunity-related barriers across target groups underscored a need for targeted communication and capacity-building efforts for all stakeholders. Using the BCW model, communication and intervention activities were developed for implementation by partners. Conclusions: Using rapid insights research grounded in the BCW model supported quickly identifying multiple factors affecting HPV vaccine acceptance and developing a targeted intervention plan. Findings echoed global research in HPV vaccine introduction, highlighting contextual needs and support and contributing to a successful introduction with high uptake in the first six months.