Abstract B98: Racial differences in HPV knowledge and acceptability: U.S. black and white females
Authors: Wallace Phyllis M. , Bowen Deborah J. 
Published: December 2010

Introduction: Cervical cancer mortality can be controlled by use of the Papanicolaou test which detects cervical abnormalities at its most treatable stage. However, there continue to be high rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality. In particular, black women have higher cervical cancer mortality than Hispanic or white women, possibly due to low and irregular use of Pap smears as a secondary prevention strategy. Therefore, vaccination against HPV holds promise as a critical prevention strategy. The purpose of this study was to assess socioeconomic and behavioral differences in HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptability among black and white women. Researchers will gain Insight into modifying factors that influence information seeking and decisions related to HPV vaccine uptake among urban black women.

Methods: Data for this study were derived from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a national probability survey of health communication and information among U.S. adults age 18 and over. Participants were recruited using random digit dialing (RDD) and a random mailing. The response rate for the telephone interview was 57%. The response rate for the mailed survey was 40%. The HINTS was selected for three reasons (1) large sample of black women, (2) exploration of HPV knowledge, attitudes, and acceptability, and (3) allows for comparisons among different racial/ethnic groups that drive health promotion and future health disparities research.

Results: A total of 7674 individuals were recruited to the 2007 HINTS (males and females). A total of 470 black women and a total of 3300 white women from the HINTS sample were included in this study. Measures analyzed were HPV acceptability, HPV knowledge, health communication, and demographics. Salient themes included: acceptability of HPV vaccine for daughters age 9-12 years was slightly higher (53%) for whites than blacks (47%). Barriers to HPV vaccine acceptability among blacks was ‘daughter is not sexually active’ (10%) and ‘parent doesn't know enough about the vaccine’ (41%). Barriers to HPV vaccine acceptability among whites were ‘daughter is not sexually active’ (8%) and ‘parent doesn't know enough about the vaccine’ (39%). black women were less likely to have heard about HPVthan whites (69% vs. 80% respectfully). Black women were less likely to have heard about the HPV vaccine than whites (67% vs. 82% respectfully). A health care provider was less likely to recommend the HPV vaccine for black girls (7%) compared to white girls (3%). Blacks were less likely to have discussed the HPV vaccine (80%) with a health care provider compared to whites (89%). Blacks were less likely to have discussed the HPV test (84%) with a health care provider than whites (88%). Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that black women are less knowledgeable about HPV and the HPV vaccine and a health care provider was less likely to recommend the HPV vaccine for black girls. The public health benefit is a deeper understanding of the health information needs and reduction in sexual risk behavior among urban black adolescents thereby reducing HPV infection for black girls and cervical cancer for black women that is national in scope.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B98.