Understanding HPV Vaccine Uptake Among Cambodian American Girls

Introduction: Cervical cancer incidence rates vary substantially among racial/ethnic groups in the US with women of Southeast Asian descent having the highest rates. Up to 70% of cervical cancers could be prevented by widespread use of the HPV vaccine. There is a lack of information about HPV vaccine uptake among Southeast Asian girls. Our objective was to examine HPV vaccination barriers, facilitators, and uptake in a Cambodian immigrant community. Methods: We conducted a telephone survey of Cambodian women with daughters who were age-eligible for HPV vaccination in 2013. Our study group included 86 Cambodian mothers who lived in the Seattle metropolitan area. Results: Nearly all (96%) of our survey participants were foreign-born and over one-half (51%) had limited English proficiency. The proportions of mothers who reported their daughter had initiated and completed the HPV vaccine series were only 29% and 14%, respectively. Higher levels of vaccine uptake were significantly associated with mothers having heard about the HPV vaccine from a health professional and having received a recent Pap test. Commonly cited barriers to HPV vaccination included lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine, not having received a physician recommendation for HPV vaccination, and thinking the HPV vaccine is unnecessary in the absence of health problems. Conclusion: Linguistically and culturally appropriate HPV educational programs should be developed and implemented in Cambodian immigrant communities. These programs should aim to enhance understanding of disease prevention measures, increase knowledge about the HPV vaccine, and empower women to ask their daughters’ doctors for HPV vaccination.