Latino Parents’ Perceptions of the HPV Vaccine for Sons and Daughters

Abstract

Latinas have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Latino parents' perceptions of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and willingness to have their sons and daughters vaccinated in Utah is largely unknown. Latino parents/guardians of children ages 11-17 years were recruited from two community organizations (N = 52) to participate in a mini-survey and focus group. Guided by the social ecological framework, a Latina facilitator conducted five focus groups that were recorded, transcribed and translated. Descriptive statistics were calculated from the mini-survey. Two members of the research team performed inductive content analysis of the focus group transcriptions separately. Discrepancies were discussed and resolved during bi-weekly meetings with group members who were present during the focus groups. Parents reported low HPV vaccine knowledge, high vaccine costs, and lack of strong provider recommendations as the main barriers to vaccine receipt. Language appropriate educational resources and consistent provider recommendations may enrich Latino parents' perceptions about the HPV vaccine.

Provider communication about HPV vaccination: A systematic review

“…Rather, qualitative research suggests that parents found open-ended communication ambiguous, frustrating and worrying, leading them to delay HPV vaccination for their adolescents. 61,71,77,78,98,99 Instead of encouraging shared decision making, mixed messages appeared to lead to a "default" communication style in which neither providers nor parents engaged in the decision-making process. 110 Findings also provide evidence of communication disparities in terms of who receives a provider recommendation for HPV vaccination.…”

“…84 In contrast, qualitative studies with parents from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds suggested some degree of dissatisfaction with HPV vaccine communication, with some parents reporting too little information, limited opportunities to ask questions, or ambiguous recommendations. 61,71,77,78,98,99 For these parents, the perception that providers were withholding information was a source of confusion that introduced doubt about the value of HPV vaccination, discouraged vaccine acceptance, and in some cases undercut parents' trust in providers. 61,71,77,78,98,99 Parents emphasized their desire for clear, unambiguous messages from providers about the importance of HPV vaccination.…”

“…61,71,77,78,98,99 For these parents, the perception that providers were withholding information was a source of confusion that introduced doubt about the value of HPV vaccination, discouraged vaccine acceptance, and in some cases undercut parents' trust in providers. 61,71,77,78,98,99 Parents emphasized their desire for clear, unambiguous messages from providers about the importance of HPV vaccination. 38,71,77,99 Channel Relatively few studies assessed modes of clinical communication about HPV vaccination beyond provider dialog, but those that did focused primarily on written materials.…”

“…61,71,77,78,98,99 Parents emphasized their desire for clear, unambiguous messages from providers about the importance of HPV vaccination. 38,71,77,99 Channel Relatively few studies assessed modes of clinical communication about HPV vaccination beyond provider dialog, but those that did focused primarily on written materials. Written brochures and fact sheets, such as the CDC's Vaccine Information Sheet, 12,87,[100][101][102][103] and posters 87,100 were commonly used in traditional primary care settings to support provider communication about HPV vaccination.…”

“…87,103 Parents and providers across several studies voiced the need for educational materials that were tailored to parents' cultural background, language preference, and literacy level. 12,43,94,99,101,104 Given concerns about literacy, some providers suggested video as a promising educational channel, 43,94 but only a minority of parents viewed informational videos as helpful. 16 Notably, no studies examined educational materials designed specifically for adolescent patients themselves.…”