HPV Vaccination: African American Parents' Awareness and Concerns

Background: African American cervical cancer incidence rates exceed that of the general population of the US, as do cervical cancer mortality rates (NCI, 2007). One factor believed to influence excess cervical cancer incidence and mortality is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is associated with cervical cancer in women; HPV 16 virus accounts for approximately half of all of these cancers, is more prevalent in US women than men, and prevalence is highest among African American women (Dunne, 2007). There is now an approved prophylactic vaccine recommended for girls 11 to12 years of age. It can be given to girls as young as nine and is also recommended for girls 13-18 years to catch up on or complete missed doses (CDC, 2006). Historically African Americans have demonstrated less willingness to participate in vaccination and data from the Health Information National Trends Study 2005 indicates a general lack of knowledge and awareness about HPV among ethnic minority women.

Methods/Findings: Because of the potential for delayed uptake of HPV vaccination to exacerbate disparities, it is strategic that public health educators and researchers understand HPV knowledge and intent to vaccinate in communities burdened by cancer. Researchers, in conjunction with community partners, conducted four focus groups (N= 35) and 10 interviews that assessed cervical cancer, virus and vaccine knowledge and beliefs, attitudes, and structural barriers to HPV vaccination among African American parents of females in the vaccination age range. Qualitative data indicate that parents have limited knowledge about cervical cancer and have difficulty defining or explaining it. Knowledge of HPV was also limited and the majority of participants had never heard of the HPV vaccine. Of those who had heard of the vaccine, participants reported mixed feelings, seemed unaware that the vaccine is targeted toward adolescent females and that effectiveness has not been demonstrated for older women. They were concerned about costs, potential side effects, who should be vaccinated, and the message vaccination sends to youth.

Conclusion: A community education campaign and ongoing community surveys are described as next steps to address the lack of knowledge and African American parents' concerns about HPV vaccination.