Alaska Native adolescent views on cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts and the quadrivalent HPV vaccine

Abstract

Objectives: To understand the knowledge levels, attitudes and perceptions of Alaska Native adolescent girls about cervical cancer, HPV, genital warts and the HPV vaccine.

Study design: A qualitative study.

Methods: Seventy-nine in-depth interviews were conducted with adolescent females aged 11 through 18 years in 4 communities in Alaska. The convenience sample was recruited through word of mouth, posters and flyers distributed in community schools, medical clinics and stores.

Results: Many of those surveyed didn't know the purpose of a vaccine and were not familiar with basic knowledge about HPV, genital warts and cervical cancer. After learning about cervical cancer and HPV, most teens felt that someone their age had an average likelihood of contracting the diseases and that having the disease would be quite bad. Most teens said they were interested in vaccination. When asked if they would get a vaccine, older teens most commonly cited concerns about side effects or doubts about vaccine efficacy, while younger teens were afraid the shot would hurt. Most teens stated that they preferred to learn about health topics such as these through television programming, followed by the Internet, brochures and posters.

Conclusions: The findings provide valuable information on how to inform adolescents about the vaccine and alleviate their concerns. The design of an educational campaign should vary depending on the age of the adolescents. For younger teens, distribution of information should be at school using a brochure or curriculum, while for older teens a web page may be more appropriate.