271135 Acculturation, independent vs. interdependent self-construal, and Latinas' intent to vaccinate their daughters against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 5:38 PM - 5:55 PM

Nan Zhao, MPH , Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Sheila Murphy, PhD , Annenberg School of Communication, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Joyee S. Chatterjee, PhD , Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, PhD, MPH , Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Background: The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been identified as the primary cause of cervical cancer. Further, Latinas have the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the United States. Although acculturation and self-construal have been found to influence Latinas' health decision-making, little is known regarding the impact of these constructs on Latinas' HPV vaccination acceptance or intent to vaccinate their daughters.

Purpose: This study explores the relationship between acculturation, self-construal (an independent self-construal involves the perception of being a unique individual, responsible for own actions while an interdependent self-construal privileges connecting to others and acting with reference to others), and Latinas' intention to vaccinate their teenage daughters against HPV.

Methods: A random sample of 150 English speaking Mexican American women (25-45 years old) participated in an in-depth telephone interview on cervical cancer prevention, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; along with questions on socio-demographics, acculturation, and self-construal.

Results: After controlling for response efficacy (belief in the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer), logistic regression revealed that having an independent self-construal was positively associated with intent to vaccinate, particularly for more bicultural respondents. In contrast, having an interdependent self - construal was negatively associated with intent to vaccinate for Latinas who adhered strongly only to American culture.

Discussion: Self-construal appears to have a differential impact on HPV vaccination intent based on acculturation. Implications of these findings and recommendations for health promotion campaigns on HPV vaccines among Latinas are discussed.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe two constructs explored in the study that may impact Latinas' HPV vaccination acceptance 2. Discuss the implication of acculturation and self-construal for health promotion campaigns on HPV vaccines among Latinas

Keywords: Latinas, Cervical Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working on this NCI funded project for 1.5 years as a research assistant. My research interests have long embraced exploring culturally relevant factors that affect health decision-makings in hard-to-reach populations.
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.

Back to: 3451.0: Adolescent and young women's health: Culturally-competent care