Acceptability of the HPV preventive vaccine among Latina immigrants in the United States

This study consisted of two phases: (1) qualitative phase to explore factors associated with HPV vaccination acceptability among Latina immigrants through three focus groups (N=22); and (2) quantitative phase (N=311). In phase I, 64% of participants had never heard about HPV and the ones who have heard were not sure what it was. After a presentation on cervical cancer/HPV, participants were probed about vaccine acceptability. Women indicated that the presentation had an impact on their willingness to obtain the vaccine, and 100% expressed that they would be willing to get it. Opinion of the family or partner was not a concern; they would do it for their own well being. Barriers: cost, side effects, and lack of information. Quantitative phase - 90.4% were from Mexico, had been in the U.S. for 6.8 years (SD 4.4), 9 years of education (SD 3.1), and 31 years old (SD 6.9). Since the vaccine is only recommended for women under the age of 27, only this group was included in the analysis (N=89). Consistent with the qualitative findings, 78.7% expressed that they would get the vaccine. If doctor recommended it, this percentage increased to 94.3%. Among the ones willing to get the vaccine, reasons included: wanted to be healthy (98.6%), vaccinations in general are necessary (97.2%), being sexually active (91.5%), could afford it (60.6%), if doctor recommended it (53.5%), partner's recommendation (45.7%). These findings provide insight in the development of research, education, and training efforts in the promotion of HPV vaccine among Latina immigrants.