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Research Article
Vivian Colón-López
Comprehensive Cancer Center-University of Puerto Rico
Corresponding Author
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) is an important tool for prevention of HPV- related cancers. In Puerto Rico, the Secretary of Health established a school entry requirement of at least 1 dose of HPV vaccination in girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years taking effect in August 2018. Our study aims to examine parents’ views and opinions of the process of implementing the new HPV vaccination school entry policy in Puerto Rico, and understand barriers and facilitators related to this HPV immunization policy.
Methods: Three focus group (n=12) and eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were performed, along with a survey. The interviews were recorded and transcript by our staff members. Through a thematic analysis were identified emergent themes.
Results: Lack of information in relation to the policy were the theme most mentioned in the interviews. Moreover, participants expressed that previous negative experiences, from friends or family member, adverse effect and the lack of communication from school and healthcare providers deter them from the decision of vaccinated their kids. Barriers in the process of soliciting an exemption was discussed.
Conclusion: Most barriers mentioned by participants who express hesitation about vaccinating their kids with the HPV vaccine, are modifiable providing parents information about the mandate’s implementation, and educational materials that address their concerns related to the vaccine’s side effects. Implementation of this efforts, however, need to consider impacting the school (teachers, principal directors, and administrative staff), the government and parents. This multilevel approach will help to improve the dissemination of information about HPV vaccination in order to clarify doubts and misinformation among hesitant parents.
Keywords
HPV vaccine, school entry policy, hesitant parents, Hispanic
The full text of this article is available to read as a PDF.
Competing interest reported. VCL has received compensation from Merck and Co., Inc. for consultancy in June 2020. APO reported has received personal fees from serving as a consultant for Merck (October 2019) outside the submitted work. The other authors have declared that they have no competing interests.
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Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 23 Mar, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major revision
On 21 Apr, 2021
Reviews received
Received 04 Apr, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 01 Apr, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 29 Mar, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 28 Mar, 2021
Editor assigned
On 25 Mar, 2021
Editor invited
On 19 Mar, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 19 Mar, 2021
First submitted
On 09 Mar, 2021
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A new preprint design is coming!
We have improved readability, clarity, accessibility, and opportunities for engagement.
This preprint is under consideration at BMC Public Health. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research Article
Vivian Colón-López
Comprehensive Cancer Center-University of Puerto Rico
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 23 Mar, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major revision
On 21 Apr, 2021
Reviews received
Received 04 Apr, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 01 Apr, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 29 Mar, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 28 Mar, 2021
Editor assigned
On 25 Mar, 2021
Editor invited
On 19 Mar, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 19 Mar, 2021
First submitted
On 09 Mar, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) is an important tool for prevention of HPV- related cancers. In Puerto Rico, the Secretary of Health established a school entry requirement of at least 1 dose of HPV vaccination in girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years taking effect in August 2018. Our study aims to examine parents’ views and opinions of the process of implementing the new HPV vaccination school entry policy in Puerto Rico, and understand barriers and facilitators related to this HPV immunization policy.
Methods: Three focus group (n=12) and eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were performed, along with a survey. The interviews were recorded and transcript by our staff members. Through a thematic analysis were identified emergent themes.
Results: Lack of information in relation to the policy were the theme most mentioned in the interviews. Moreover, participants expressed that previous negative experiences, from friends or family member, adverse effect and the lack of communication from school and healthcare providers deter them from the decision of vaccinated their kids. Barriers in the process of soliciting an exemption was discussed.
Conclusion: Most barriers mentioned by participants who express hesitation about vaccinating their kids with the HPV vaccine, are modifiable providing parents information about the mandate’s implementation, and educational materials that address their concerns related to the vaccine’s side effects. Implementation of this efforts, however, need to consider impacting the school (teachers, principal directors, and administrative staff), the government and parents. This multilevel approach will help to improve the dissemination of information about HPV vaccination in order to clarify doubts and misinformation among hesitant parents.
The full text of this article is available to read as a PDF.
Competing interest reported. VCL has received compensation from Merck and Co., Inc. for consultancy in June 2020. APO reported has received personal fees from serving as a consultant for Merck (October 2019) outside the submitted work. The other authors have declared that they have no competing interests.
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