Abstract A20: Increasing information-seeking about HPV and HPV vaccine among Hispanics in the Lower Rio Grande Valley

The purpose of the Vivir Sin Cancer study is to develop and test materials to increase calls to the Cancer Information Service (CIS) about the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer among Hispanics. In depth interviews were conducted with CIS community partners and focus groups were conducted with Hispanic parents and young women 18–26 to determine factors influencing HPV vaccine acceptability as well as factors related to information seeking about HPV and HPV vaccine. The formative assessment also explored the cultural relevance of test messages and images. Findings for parents showed a lack of knowledge of HPV, the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer, negative attitudes about HPV vaccine, and lack of perceived risk for cervical cancer and HPV (for daughter). Results from the groups conducted with young women indicated lack of awareness of HPV, the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer, lack of perceived risk for cervical cancer and HPV, and perceived barriers to the HPV vaccine including a concern about vaccine affecting future fertility. In general both parents and young women were not familiar with the CIS. Those who were did not think the information provided by CIS would be relevant to them since they were not cancer patients.

Findings from the formative phase were used to develop the program materials that were delivered in communities through lay health workers and in clinics. Materials included: (1) PowerPoint fotonovela (photo stills and video embedded), (2) fotonovela booklet, (3) questions cards and (4) a video for Hispanic parents and young women. Preliminary study findings indicate that after 6 months of program implementation, calls to CIS increased by 63% in the intervention community (Lower Rio Grande Valley) and decreased (by 41%) in the comparison community (El Paso). Calls among Hispanics also increased in the LRGV. Final study findings will be presented.