Perception of Barriers to and Factors Associated with HPV Vaccination Among Parents of American Indian Adolescents in the Cherokee Nation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of HPV vaccination barriers and factors among parents or guardians of American Indian adolescents in the Cherokee Nation. Fifty-four parents of American Indian adolescents in the Cherokee Nation participated in one of eleven focus group discussions from June to August 2019. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Protection against cancer was the primary parent-reported reason for vaccinating their children against HPV. The lack of information and safety concerns about the HPV vaccine were the main reasons for non-vaccination. To increase HPV vaccine uptake, parents strongly supported offering vaccinations in school. Furthermore, increased healthcare provider–initiated discussion can ease parental concerns about HPV vaccine safety and improve coverage.