Latin, Vietnamese Women Turn To Many Sources For HPV Vaccine Information, Study Finds

Latin American and Vietnamese women are disproportionately affected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) causing cervical cancer, a common but preventable viral infection of the reproductive system. In addition to facing a greater burden of disease, Latin American and Vietnamese women are also known to underuse the HPV vaccine, which is an effective preventive measure for cervical cancer.

A study by the University of California, Irvine, based on interviews with 50 Latin American and Vietnamese women, found that this population turns to many sources of information about the HPV vaccine – online media and social to school health classes, mothers and doctors.

Additionally, when reading this information, many cited confidentiality, avoiding information overload, and receiving information from trusted sources as important to their overall understanding of preventative measures against HPV. Access to information, convenience and credibility were also key motivators for many of the women interviewed.

The results of this study are published in the Primary prevention journal.

We have worked to understand and identify the different sources that people turn to for essential health information, which we believe is essential in determining what types of interventions are suitable for hard-to-reach populations. Recognizing that patterns of information consumption are constantly changing among young adults, we needed to better understand where Latin and Vietnamese women were seeking information about the HPV vaccine. “

Suellen Hopfer, PhD, assistant professor at UCI Public Health and corresponding study author

This study advances the literature on cervical cancer prevention by drawing attention to the platform-delivery considerations that researchers and public health practitioners should undertake when attempting to reach outcomes. vulnerable populations. The results of the study illustrate the need for interventions to use reliable sources and consistent messages as they provide essential health information, certainly in the case of HPV prevention, but also in all other areas of health. research.