Engaging parents and schools improves uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: Examining the role of the public health nurse

Abstract

BackgroundNova Scotia has the highest rate of cervical cancer in Canada, and most of these cases are attributed to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In 2007, Gardasil® was approved and implemented in a successful school-based HPV immunization program. Little is known, however, which strategies (if any) used within a school-based program help to improve vaccine uptake. MethodsA retrospective, exploratory correlation study was conducted to examine the relationship between school-based strategies and uptake of HPV vaccine. Data was analyzed through Logistic regression, using PASW Statistics 17 (formerly SPSS 17). ResultsHPV vaccine initiation was significantly associated with Public Health Nurses providing reminder calls for: consent return (p=0.017) and missed school clinic (p=0.004); HPV education to teachers (p<0.001), and a thank-you note to teachers (p<0.001). Completion of the HPV series was associated with vaccine consents being returned to the students’ teacher (p=0.003), and a Public Health Nurse being assigned to a school (p=0.025). ConclusionsThese findings can be used to help guide school-based immunization programs for optimal uptake of the HPV vaccine among the student population.