Determinants of HPV vaccination

Project summary:

Hispanic women along the Texas-Mexico border experience more cases of and deaths from cervical cancer compared to the nation. Cervical cancer is preventable using the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for individuals aged 11-26. Compared to U.S. Hispanic girls, a smaller proportion of Texas Hispanic girls (ages 13-17) receive 1 dose HPV vaccine and fewer complete the vaccine series. Given the cervical cancer disparities in incidence and death among Hispanic women in this area, it is of great public health importance to promote the adoption of the vaccine and compliance with its dosing schedule.

The purpose of this research is to understanding the determinants for parental intentions and acceptance of HPV vaccination and factors influencing provider's intention to recommend vaccination. Findings will guide the development of an evidence-based intervention to increase initiation and completion of the HPV vaccine among Hispanics girls.

This research study sought to: (1) identify determinants of mothers'HPV vaccine intentions, initiation and completion; (2) understand providers' perspectives on recommending the vaccine; and (3) design a culturally-relevant, theoretically grounded HPV intervention for low-income, Hispanics mothers along the Texas-Mexico border.

The research is innovative because it: (1) focuses on a on a largely underserved, vulnerable population with specific needs; (2) assesses the feasibility of a clinic-based, cervical cancer prevention intervention for Hispanics mothers; and (3) focuses on the interpersonal communication between the parent, the child, and the provider. 

Key words: HPV, vaccines, Rural, adolescents, girls, Latino, cancer prevention

Project details: 

Principal Investigator: Daisy Morales-Campos, Ph.D.
Project title: Determinants of HPV vaccination for Hispanic parents from the Texas-Mexico border
Funder: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Project period: 2014-2019