Acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine among diverse Hispanic mothers and grandmothers.

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has the potential to reduce rates of cervical cancer and other HPV-related morbidity among Hispanic women who are disproportionately affected by this disease. Understanding the barriers faced by this population is an important public health goal. In this qualitative pilot study, 17 mothers and grandmothers of adolescent girls from diverse Hispanic backgrounds in a large northeastern city in the United States were interviewed to examine attitudes regarding vaccine acceptability. The findings reveal that negative media, concerns about sexuality, side effects, and efficacy may impact vaccine uptake and completion. Of the 4 participants whose daughters had received the vaccine, only 1 had completed the full series, which may speak to the trend of lower series completion among Hispanics. This pilot data could inform important considerations when designing longitudinal research that may provide some necessary insights into the factors that facilitate or impede HPV vaccine completion among U.S. Hispanics.