Abstract B79: Acceptability of the HPV vaccine among Latino parents

Introduction: Cervical cancer occurs more frequently among Hispanic women than non-Hispanic white women. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that is commonly acquired in late adolescence. In 2006, the Federal Drug Administration approved a new vaccine that prevents infection with clinically-relevant types of HPV. The vaccine has been shown to offer the greatest protection if administered prior to sexual debut or shortly thereafter; raising concerns about its acceptability among parents. Little is known about Latino parents' acceptability, even though the risk of cervical cancer is relatively high in the Latino population.

Objective: The objective of this study is to collect qualitative data about the attitudes, beliefs and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among Latino parents of females aged 9–14.

Methods: Focus group participants were recruited via mailings to Sea Mar Community Clinic patients who are Latino parents of daughters aged 9–14, as indicated by their clinic records. A total of two hundred eligible parents were sent a Spanish recruitment letter. Focus groups were facilitated in Spanish by trained bilingual project staff. Focus group questions addressed awareness and knowledge of HPV, perceived susceptibility of infection for one's daughter, acceptability and intention to receive the vaccine for one's daughter, and general attitudes about vaccination. A separate demographics questionnaire was administered. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed and translated for analysis. All focus groups were held at Sea Mar Clinic facilities.

Results: To date, two focus groups have been conducted with a total of eight participants, 7 mothers and 1 father. Participants ranged from 30 to 48 years of age, reported completing 0–11 years of education, and were immigrants from Latin America.

The majority of focus group participants indicated a lack of knowledge about HPV and the vaccine. A total of 5 of the 8 participants received information and a brochure from Sea Mar Clinic and allowed that their daughters be vaccinated. The majority of participants agreed that it is important to get the vaccine as a preventive measure for cervical cancer. All parents perceived vaccines in general as very important for health in order to prevent or reduce the effects of various diseases.

Participants' fears towards the vaccine included physical and behavioral effects such as: the onset of promiscuity in girls at a young age, and sexual hormones being activated earlier due to the chemical contents in the vaccine. In the other hand, all parents agreed that vaccinating their daughters would be more beneficial than not receiving the vaccine.

When asked about who made the decision about getting the vaccine, the majority of participants stated that even though they consulted with their partner, ultimately the mother was the one in charge of making the decision. Focus group recruitment is currently on-going and more groups are scheduled.

Conclusion: More information regarding HPV and the vaccine needs to be targeted towards Latinos in the media. An emphasis should be given to televised educational messages as all participants agreed that would be the best way to receive the information. Findings from this pilot project will be used in future studies to develop a culturally appropriate survey instrument on HPV attitudes and beliefs.