Abstract A28: Attitudes and beliefs about the HPV vaccine among African American adolescents and their caregivers

Approval of the first vaccine against human papilloma virus (HPV) is expected to have a significant impact on the public9s health. However, despite aggressive marketing and educational efforts by the pharmaceutical industry and the medical community, recent data reports that only 25% of American adolescents received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine in 2007. Research also states that adolescents who are poor, live in urban areas, or are members of minority groups are less likely to be up-to-date in their immunizations than the general population. From this, we can surmise that low-income, urban, adolescents could be at increased risk for not being vaccinated for HPV. The data reported here are from a project to increase HPV vaccine utilization among female adolescents living in a major metropolitan city on the East Coast. We conducted an educational assessment to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that adolescents and their caregivers had about the vaccine. Participants were recruited for focus groups by convenience sampling at recreation centers and community non-profit groups. Participants also completed a survey about their experiences with the health care system and basic demographics. Seventy-one female adolescents participated in a total of 10 focus groups. 94% were African American and mean age was 15.3. Roughly 60% of the adolescents had ever had sex and the mean age of their first sexual encounter was 14. 93% indicated that their friends have ever had sex. Forty-five caregivers participated in a total of 4 focus groups. All caregivers were African American and 94% were female, with a mean age of 41.1 years; 47.9% had a high school diploma. Results showed that while adolescents may have low understanding of HPV and the vaccine, interest in protecting themselves from HPV is high. 40% reported having started the vaccine series. Of those who had not, 43.9% indicated being “very likely” or “likely” to get the vaccine. A majority, regardless of vaccination status, felt that getting the vaccine was either a “very good” or “good” idea, and adolescents generally regarded the vaccine as “safe”, “effective”, and a “wise choice”. Major themes included: a) adolescents were very concerned about sexually transmitted diseases, b) they look to their family and doctor when making decisions about their health, and c) getting the vaccine could be a source of empowerment in taking charge of their health. Caregivers also exhibited limited knowledge of HPV and the vaccine and were largely receptive to the vaccine. Two-thirds reported being unaware of a healthcare provider ever recommending the HPV vaccine to their daughters. While most felt that getting the vaccine was either a “very good” or “good” idea, as well as it being “safe”, “effective”, and a “wise choice”, some were concerned that side effects and long-term consequences of the vaccine are somewhat unknown. Major themes included: a) feeling overwhelmed in raising adolescent girls in a complex environment, b) generational differences in communicating with their daughters, and c) wanting to protect their daughters from health and emotional risks. There was generally favorable interest in the vaccine among African American female adolescents and their caregivers, suggesting that they may be highly receptive to an educational intervention on HPV vaccination tailored to their community.