Abstract C53: Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer: Exploring knowledge, attitudes, and cultural taboos among Mexican American families along the Texas-Mexico border

Background: Hispanic women living along the Texas-Mexico border have higher cervical cancer mortality and incidence rates compared to other Hispanic women in the U.S. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes the majority of cervical cancers. Although cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccination and prevented or detected early through Pap test screening and follow-up treatment, they are all underutilized by Hispanic females. Research indicates that beliefs, misconceptions, and taboos regarding sexuality may contribute to the low perceived risk for HPV and cervical cancer, thus contributing to the underutilization of vaccination and Pap test screening. Since beliefs are often transmitted through parents, it is critical to elucidate parents9 and young women9s (aged 18-26 years) beliefs about HPV and cervical cancer. In this study, we explored knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about HPV and cervical cancer among Hispanic parents and young women living along the Texas-Mexico border. Methods: We conducted eight focus groups in two counties along the Texas-Mexico border. Research staff recruited family members - fathers, mothers, and young women (aged 18-26 years) who were eligible for HPV catch-up vaccination - from local community centers, health centers, and colleges. Research staff audio-recorded focus groups for accuracy, transcribed recordings word-for-word, and uploaded transcripts into Atlas(ti) 5.0 for analysis. After open and axial coding, the research team analyzed the data for content, meaning, patterns, frequency, and themes by applying the constant comparison method to guide analysis and generation of themes. Results: Although misconceptions existed across all participant groups, the type of misconception varied. Mothers, fathers, and young women held different beliefs. Misconceptions among parents centered heavily on sexual risk with fathers linking HPV risk to promiscuity. On the other hand, mothers linked HPV risk to adultery and indiscretion of male partners. Young women9s beliefs were about transmission of the virus via unclean surfaces and beliefs that medications can cure HPV. Conclusions: Results uncovered important differences in knowledge and risk beliefs concerning HPV and cervical cancer among Hispanic parents and young women living along the Texas Mexico border. Our findings highlight critical knowledge areas that can be addressed through interventions to overcome barriers to HPV prevention in Hispanic women, as well as to create culturally appropriate prevention messages that may ultimately help reduce disparities in HPV and cervical cancer among Hispanic women along the Texas-Mexico border. Citation Format: Daisy Y. Morales-Campos, Shedra Amy Snipes, Maria E. Fernandez. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer: Exploring knowledge, attitudes, and cultural taboos among Mexican American families along the Texas-Mexico border. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C53.