The Role of English Proficiency in HPV and HPV Vaccine Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Study Across Race/Ethnicity

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 School of Social Work, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.

2 USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA.

3 School of Social Work, Boston University, USA.

Abstract

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and associated with over 90% of cervical cancer cases.  The present study aimed to examine levels of HPV and HPV vaccine awareness and associated factors, particularly English proficiency, across various racial/ethnic groups. Methods: Two cross-sectional datasets, 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTs), were analyzed for the current study. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Findings: Non-Hispanic Whites had the highest levels while non-Hispanic Asians had the lowest levels of awareness regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine. English proficiency was significantly associated with increased HPV awareness among all groups except non-Hispanic Asian, and was significantly associated with greater HPV vaccine awareness in all groups. Discussion: In order to promote health equity across race/ethnicity, language barriers among minorities should be addressed when implementing health education on HPV and the HPV vaccine.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 22, Issue 2
February 2021
Pages 349-357

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 June 2020
  • Revise Date: 09 September 2020
  • Accept Date: 19 February 2021

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