An HPV vaccine education intervention for Korean Americans

Background. Korean Americans are at high risk for cervical cancer, yet their perceived risk and susceptibility to an HPV infection and cervical cancer are inordinately low. They lack basic knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer. Most don’t know the HPV virus is sexually transmitted and have only a vague understanding about the HPV vaccine. This marginal understanding is compounded by the fact that providers often gave them incorrect information regarding the appropriate age and gender for the vaccine.

Significance. Primary prevention of cervical cancer can be achieved through the HPV vaccine, yet Korean Americans have comparatively low HPV vaccination rates. A culturally-appropriate intervention to help Korean American parents make an informed HPV vaccination decision for their children can promote primary prevention of cervical cancer among this high-risk group.

Objectives. The study aims were to (1) develop a culturally tailored, language appropriate intervention to inform HPV vaccination decision-making among Korean American parents, and (2) conduct an intervention efficacy evaluation.

Methods. A randomized, controlled trial with 337 parents examined whether a DVD produced in English and Korean to educate parents about the risks and benefits of the HPV vaccine helped them make an informed vaccination decision. Intervention group parents received the DVD while control group parents received a CDC flyer on the HPV vaccine.

Results. The vast majority of Korean American parents (96.4%) were non-English speaking. Knowledge gains regarding the HPV vaccine were significantly greater among intervention compared to control group parents. Intervention group parents also reported significantly higher levels of informed decision-making regarding HPV vaccination compared to control group parents.

Conclusions. Study findings suggest that a culturally-tailored and linguistically appropriate education intervention designed for parents in communities at high risk for HPV infection can empower non-English speaking parents to make an informed HPV vaccination decision and thus reduce racial/ethnic health disparities.