HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Beliefs among Cambodian American Parents and Community Leaders

Background: The cervical cancer incidence rate among Cambodian American women is 15.0 per 100,000, compared to 7.7 per 100,000 among non-Latina white women. HPV infection has been identified as a universal risk factor for cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine was recently approved for females aged 9-26 years. There is little information about HPV vaccination barriers and facilitators in Southeast Asian communities. Objective: Our qualitative study examined HPV vaccine knowledge and beliefs among Cambodians in Seattle. Methods: We conducted four focus groups with Cambodian parents (37 participants), as well as 13 in-depth interviews with Cambodian community leaders. Two of the focus groups included fathers and two of the focus groups included mothers. Focus group and interview questions addressed HPV infection and the HPV vaccine, as well as vaccination barriers and facilitators. Results: Participants had limited knowledge about HPV infection and the HPV vaccine. Barriers to HPV vaccination included thinking vaccination is only necessary for sexually active girls; believing that vaccination might promote promiscuity; lack of knowledge about the benefits of vaccination; and concerns about financial costs, safety, and side effects. The most important facilitators were a health care provider recommendation for vaccination and believing in the importance of disease prevention. Discussion: Future cervical cancer control educational programs for Cambodians should promote use of the HPV vaccine for age-eligible individuals, as well as regular Pap testing for adult women who may have already been infected with HPV. Health care providers who serve Cambodian communities should be encouraged to recommend HPV vaccination.