HPV Vaccine Acceptance in a Clinic-based Sample of Women in the Rural South

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection linked to cervical disease. Vaccines for some types of HPV were in development at the time of the study. Purpose: The study examined HPV vaccine acceptability among underserved women in a rural region of the southeastern U.S. with high rates of cervical cancer for development of future educational interventions. Methods: A clinic-based sample of women (aged 18-64; ASCUS or higher and tested for HPV DNA) completed a telephone interview (response rate = 78%). Results: Among participants who had ever heard of HPV (n=108), 81% were “very likely” to get the vaccine and 72% would have their daughter vaccinated. These participants desired information about vaccine safety (100%), efficacy (100%), side effects (100%), clinician recommendation (96%), cost (94%), and composition of the vaccine (94%). Cost was identified as the main barrier (55%). Among a subset of participants who reported HPV positivity (n=49), younger age, being single, and high HPV knowledge level were associated with specific types of desired information before getting the HPV vaccine. Discussion: Similar to previously reported vaccine acceptability studies, acceptance among participants in this rural region of the south was also high. Participants also desired more information about the vaccine. Translation to Health Education Practice: Public health educational efforts must address health education issues related to vaccine acceptability and increase HPV knowledge and understanding.