Laying the Foundation for Quality Improvement: HPV Knowledge and HPV Vaccine Uptake and Attitudes Among Rural Clinic Patients

Authors

  • Adrianna Elbon
  • Krista Schumacher
  • Tracy Freudenthaler

Abstract

Abstract

 

Background

Despite annual increases in HPV vaccination, uptake rates remain lower than other childhood vaccines while cases of HPV-associated cancers have increased, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to understand vaccination attitudes among patients at a rural Oklahoma clinic.

 

Methods

We analyzed data from a survey of parents/caregivers of children aged 9-17 and young adults (YA) aged 18-26 on HPV knowledge, vaccination status, provider recommendation, and reasons for vaccine decision.

 

Results

The survey yielded 15 YA and 14 caregiver responses. Of YAs, 67% received a vaccine recommendation from a health care provider versus 79% of children. Of these, 80% and 74% respectively had initiated vaccination. Provider recommendation was a top reason for vaccination while “afraid of side effects” was a top reason for refusing vaccination.

 

Conclusion

Because rural areas lag urban in HPV vaccination, opportunities exist to train rural providers on HPV vaccine messaging to increase rates in these communities.

 

Keywords: Human papillomavirus, HPV vaccine, vaccine hesitancy, provider recommendation, rural, cancer

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Published

2023-05-30

Issue

Section

Public Health