Role of the provider in HPV vaccine uptake among African American adolescent girls

Introduction: One of the goals of Healthy People 2020 is to reduce the proportion of females with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.  Although there are effective vaccines available, the proportion of U.S. adolescent girls who have completed the vaccine series remains less than optimal.  Current research has yielded mixed results but suggests there are disparities in HPV vaccination, with African American girls being less likely than Caucasian girls to receive all doses.  Since African American women in the U.S. bear a disproportionately high burden of HPV disease, it is imperative to understand how their rate of vaccine initiation and series completion can best be improved.

Methods: Using ACASI, 216 interviews were completed with African American girls, 14-18 years of age, who were recruited in family planning and STI public health clinics in the Atlanta metro area.  Interviews were conducted from February 2010 to November 2012.

Results: Most girls (n = 177) believed their doctor would think it was a good idea for them to receive the HPV vaccine.  This number was higher than those who reported most people important to them, their best friend, or parent would have the same belief.

Conclusion: Previous research has shown that the provider plays an important role in vaccine initiation.  The current findings support the importance of understanding the patient-provider relationship and how it influences the decision to get vaccinated.  Strategies should be implemented to train providers on how best to educate their patients on vaccination.