186242 Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine knowledge and attitudes among women in Appalachia Ohio

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 1:00 PM

Mack Ruffin, MD , Department of Family Practice, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cecilia DeGraffinreid, MHS, RHIA , Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Melissa Hicks, MS, CHES , Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Mira Katz, PhD , Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Erinn Hade , Office of Health Sciences, OSU Center for Biostatistics, Columbus, OH
Electra D. Paskett, PhD , School of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Background: Women in Appalachia suffer a disproportionate burden from cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine may decrease this burden, but its success depends on its acceptability and uptake. Objective: To examine the knowledge and attitudes about the HPV vaccine among women living in Appalachia. Methods: Women 18+ years presenting for a Pap smear in 14 clinics participated in a study. All women with an abnormal Pap smear and a random selection of women with a normal Pap smear completed a telephone interview. Results: 170 women completed the interview (94% White, mean age=35 years). Women with an abnormal Pap tended to be younger than those with a normal Pap. About half (47%) had heard about a vaccine to prevent cancer, and among those women, 96% identified a vaccine for cervical cancer and 93% had heard of HPV. One-third (35%) wanted the vaccine for themselves and the reason cited most for not wanting the vaccine was an age older than recommendation. If a doctor recommended the HPV vaccine, 88% would get it. All participants were asked if they would want the vaccine for a daughter if they had a daughter; slightly over half (58%) responded yes. If a doctor recommended it for their daughter, then 85% would get the vaccine for a daughter. The most common barrier for the vaccine for a daughter was that they saw an advertisement in the media. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes among women in this study suggest various barriers to diffusion of the HPV vaccine in Ohio Appalachia.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe women’s knowledge about and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine in Appalachia Ohio. 2. Discuss possible solutions to overcome these barriers to receiving the HPV vaccine in Appalachia Ohio.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Underserved Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a family practice physician and am the principal investigator on a cervical cancer prevention study funded by NCI focusing on HPV and cervical cancer.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

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.