African American parents' attitudes toward HPV vaccination

Background: African Americans suffer disparate rates of human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer incidence and mortality. They also may be less willing to undergo HPV vaccination. To address these disparities, it is important to understand factors that influence vaccine acceptability. Aims: To determine HPV and HPV vaccination knowledge; assess vaccination acceptability; and describe characteristics, cultural attitudes, and social/environmental factors that affect vaccine intention among African American parents. Methods: A community sample of 200 African American parents of girls aged nine to 17 completed a survey about HPV and HPV vaccination. A subset of 30 parents completed individual interviews. Results: Sixty-two percent (n=124) of participants were aware of HPV. These individuals were significantly more likely to be female, younger, employed, to have social resources, and to know someone with an STI or cervical cancer. Of these, 21% had vaccinated their daughters and another 31% had never considered vaccination. A large portion “didn't know” if HPV causes genital warts (45.2%) and herpes (39.5%) or whether a Pap detects HPV (29.8%). Vaccination status was significantly affected by pediatrician recommendation. Variables previously associated with African American vaccination attitudes and behaviors, such as religiosity, fear of increased sexual activity, transportation, and cost, were unrelated to vaccination status in this sample. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of surveyed parents admitted to a lack of knowledge about HPV. Physician trust and recommendation were cited as important vaccination decision-making factors. These findings offer potential avenues for intervention to increase HPV vaccine uptake in this population of African American parents.