Human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge and hypothetical acceptance among women in Appalachia Ohio

Objective: To assess hypothetical acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for themselves and a daughter age 9-12 years among Appalachia Ohio women.

Methods: Women with an abnormal Pap smear and randomly selected women with a normal Pap smear from 17 clinics completed an interview in 2006-2008.

Results: From 1131 original study participants, 807 (71%) completed a survey about the HPV vaccine for their daughters and themselves. Nearly half, 380 (47%), of the participants had heard of a vaccine to prevent cancer, and 362 (95%) of respondents had heard of HPV. The participants were then told that the FDA had approved a vaccine to prevent HPV. Only 379 (38%) participants identified girls ages 9-12 years as a group who should get the vaccine. After being given the official HPV vaccine recommendation statement, 252 (31%) wanted the vaccine; 198 (25%) were "not sure"; and 353 (44%) did not want the vaccine for themselves. With respect to giving the HPV vaccine to a daughter ages 9-12 years, participants responded "yes" 445 (55%); "not sure" 163 (20%); or "no" 185 (23%). Numerous reasons were provided supporting and opposing vaccine acceptance for themselves and for a daughter. Their physician's recommendation for the HPV vaccine increased vaccine acceptance to 86% for themselves and 90% for a daughter.

Conclusion: Knowledge, acceptance, and barriers about the HPV vaccine vary among women living in Appalachia Ohio. Physician recommendation is a key facilitator for vaccine diffusion in this region.