HPV Vaccine Decision-Making in Hispanic and African American Parents: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

**Please note that the full text is embargoed** ABSTRACT: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and a highly preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States (U.S.). There are more than 79 million Americans infected with HPV and approximately 14 million newly diagnosed cases ofHPV annually (United States Department of Health & Human Services [DHHS], n.d.). More than 40 strains of HPV can lead to genital warts and various types of cancers, mostly cervical cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013a). Although the HPV vaccine can prevent approximately 21,000 HPV related cancers, uptake of the HPV vaccine remains suboptimal. Because HPV and cervical cancer disproportionately affect Hispanic and African American women, it is imperative to understand their decision-making to tailor future educational interventions to increase HPV vaccination uptake. The purpose of this project was to identify factors associated with Hispanic and African American parents' HPV vaccination decision-making and vaccine outcomes for their daughters. A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from an HPV vaccine intervention trial. Participants (N = 330) completed surveys regarding socio-demographics, HPV vaccine status, decision-making about the HPV vaccine, barriers to decision-making, and parent-provider c01mnunication and trust. Differences were found between Hispanic and African American parents' HPV vaccine outcomes, especially vaccine decision-making. More Hispanic parents (41.9%) had plans to vaccinate their daughters than African American parents (28.6%). More African American parents (71.4%) were undecided, not thinking about, or decided against HPV vaccination for their daughter. In addition, more African American parents (27.4%) compared to Hispanic parents (14.3%) reported their doctor did not recommend the HPV vaccine for their daughter. Also a greater proportion of African American parents (51.6%) compared to Hispanic parents (35.7%) reported their daughter is not sexually active. Results indicated interventions should focus on high-risk groups such as Hispanics and African Americans in order to increase HPV vaccination uptake and decrease HPV related cancers. Building strong parent-provider relationships is important in order to increase HPV vaccination outcomes.