title: Knowledge and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among ethnically diverse black women.
abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptability among ethnically diverse Black women. Forty-four women were interviewed in 6 focus groups (2 African American, 2 English-speaking Caribbean, 1 Haitian, and 1 African). Thematic content analysis was used to generate common concepts and themes and to compare findings across groups. There was varied but limited knowledge and confusion across ethnic groups about the HPV infection and vaccine. African and Haitian women had the least knowledge. Overall, women were generally receptive toward the HPV vaccine for girls but unclear about the need to vaccinate boys. Concerns about the HPV vaccine were mainly related to side effects/safety and vaccinating children at a young age. Healthcare provider's recommendation of the vaccination was important for decision making. Educational interventions with Black women about HPV vaccination should recognize cultural beliefs that vary by ethnic group.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 65 Bergen Street, Room 1017, Newark, NJ 07102, USA. btoushrm@umdnj.edu
authors.forename: Rula
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Diane R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Makini A S
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Boothe
authors.forename: Caroline E S
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D017691:Caribbean Region / Q000208:ethnology; D002648:Child; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines