Abstract A036: The role of multisectoral partnerships in the dissemination of HPV vaccination campaigns in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, HPV vaccination uptake is suboptimal in Puerto Rico (PR). Knowledge and understanding of the benefits of HPV vaccination can influence the intention to vaccinate. The Puerto Rico Community Cancer Control Outreach Program (PRCCCOP) and our network of multisectoral partners disseminated an HPV vaccination educational campaign tailored to promote HPV vaccination among kids and adolescents aged 9-26. OBJECTIVE: To effectively disseminate Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevention educational campaigns through a network of multisectoral collaborators to increase HPV vaccination uptake in PR. METHODS: The PRCCCOP trained collaborators on basic HPV, HPV-caused cancers, and HPV vaccine knowledge and the use of educational materials. Collaborators distributed educational materials to their clientele who visited in person, participated in sponsored events, and accessed their virtual platforms or via email. In addition to printable educational materials, PRCCOP public service announcement videos about HPV vaccination were transmitted at our participating Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). The PRCCOP provided all collaborators with continued training, assistance, and educational materials. RESULTS: Our program impacted 65 municipalities (83.3% of the island). Electronic and printed versions of our educational materials were disseminated in 40 clinics and vaccination centers across the island, including all 22 FQHCs in Puerto Rico (PR). Over 2,000 people were reached via in-person events and health fairs. Additionally, 18 workshops were imparted in clinical and academic settings. CONCLUSION: Community outreach can be an expensive and labor-intensive task. By establishing partnerships and sharing resources, the PRCCCOP has lowered costs while widely disseminating its educational campaigns and expanding its network outside the traditional academic/health services arena. Collaborating with multisectoral organizations allowed us to increase our presence throughout the island, diversify the types of dissemination mediums, and reach vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Citation Format: Ileska M. Valencia-Torres, Yara Sánchez-Cabrera, María E. Fernández, Vivian Colón-López. The role of multisectoral partnerships in the dissemination of HPV vaccination campaigns in Puerto Rico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A036.