A Pilot Study of a Computer-Tailored HPV Vaccination Intervention for Latino Parents

Introduction: Latinas have the highest age-adjusted incidence rate for HPV-associated cervical cancer, as compared to their counterparts in other racial/ethnic groups. The three HPV vaccines approved for youth aged 9-26 are efficacious in preventing HPV-associated diseases. The vaccination rates in adolescents, however, remain low. Because parental consent is required for youth under age 18 to receive HPV vaccines in most U. S. states, parents’ intentions to have their children vaccinated are key to promoting HPV vaccination. This pilot study aimed at examining feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary short-term effects of an innovative, computer-tailored intervention designed for Latino parents.  

Methods:Latino parents were invited to participate in a one-group, pre- and post-test design pilot study. Eligibility criteria were: having at least one child aged 11-17 who had not received the first dose of any HPV vaccine and did not plan to consent to HPV vaccination prior to the intervention. Participants completed the intervention and the pre- and post-intervention assessments via a tablet computer in the clinic waiting area.

Results: Among 46 participants, 91.3% (n = 42; mean age 40 years, SD = 7.9) completed the intervention and both assessments. Of these, 93% were mothers, 54% had not finished high school, and 98% reported that their children were eligible for reduced/free lunch in school. Four primary attitudinal and instrumental facilitators (prevents HPV, saves my child’s life, knowing where to get the vaccine, provider recommendation), and four barriers (safety concern, encourages early sex, no provider recommendation, language barrier) related to HPV vaccination were reported. Mean knowledge scores differed significantly from pre-intervention (M = 9.3, SD = 2.21) to post-intervention (M = 13.9, SD = 0.37; t(41) = -13.77, p< .001). Post-intervention, 95% (n = 40) of participants intended to get their children vaccinated, 29% reported they would make appointments, and 5% wanted to wait until discussing with providers. Fifty percent (n = 21) of parents consented to vaccination, resulting in 24 adolescents being vaccinated immediately post-intervention. All participants reported it was easy to learn via tablet; two nurses reported intervention delivery in the clinic setting was feasible. The mean intervention acceptability score was 32 (range 0-36).

Conclusion: Our computer-tailored intervention for Latino parents was feasible, acceptable, and showed preliminary short-term effects on intent and actual completion of HPV vaccination. We will incorporate participants’ comments when refining the intervention prior to a large-scale RCT to assess efficacy.