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Abstract #155105

John Moraros, MD, PhD, MPH, CHES¹, Yelena Bird, MD, MPH¹, David Barney, MSW, MPH, PhD², Larry K. Olsen, DrPH, CHES¹, Sasha King, BA¹, Matthew Banegas, MS¹, Surasri Prapasiri, BS³, and Adriana Peña, BS⁴. (1) Department of Health Sciences, MSC 3HLS, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001, 575-646-4516, johnmoraros@yahoo.com, (2) School of Social Work, New Mexico State University, MSC 3SW, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003, (3) College of Health and Social Services, New Mexico State University, 1335 International Mall, PO Box 30001, Office of the Dean, MSC 3446, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001, (4) Sadec/femap, Directora de Investigacion, Av. Plutarco Elias Calles No. 744 Nte., Col. Progresista, Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer. The development of a prophylactic HPV vaccine has proven effective in clinical trials and is now available to the public. The HPV vaccine represents a viable prevention strategy against cervical cancer. However, parental preferences, perceptions, and willingness to use the HPV vaccine are crucial, and if not assessed accurately, may threaten the successful implementation of a broad HPV vaccination program.

Methods: This pilot study explored the views of 60 Mexican women, all of who were mothers of female children between the ages of 10 to 14 years old on the following four areas of interest: HPV knowledge; HPV vaccine knowledge and attitudes; barriers to HPV vaccine use; and potential uses and side effects of the HPV vaccine.

Results: Only 7% of respondents knew that HPV was a virus or STI. Of the respondents surveyed 86% had not heard of the HPV vaccine, but 62% felt that the HPV vaccine would prevent HPV infection. However, 38% said the church would not approve of the HPV vaccine use for 10-14-year-old girls. Another 27% thought that promiscuous behavior would increase following HPV vaccination. Overall, respondents had very little knowledge of the HPV vaccine, were willing to be vaccinated themselves (83%), but were lesser willing to vaccinate their daughters (63%).

Conclusions: Ultimately, understanding the beliefs about and identifying the barriers of HPV vaccine use will influence the effectiveness of the vaccine and its potential impact in reducing cervical cancer incidence rates worldwide.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the levels of knowledge of women in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico related to HPV and the HPV vaccine.
• Explain factors and barriers associated with the implementation of an HPV vaccination program.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.