HPV Survey Results for Filipino Parents of 11-12 year-old adolescents

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the importance of working with community partners to reach ethnic populations with targeted information
2. Describe knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Filipino parents about adolescent immunizations

Background:
Cervical cancer disproportionately affects Asians/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and African-American women. It is the 9th most commonly diagnosed cancer among Asians/Pacific Islanders. To address disparities in cervical cancer rates, the San Diego Immunization Branch reached out to the Filipino community.

Objectives:
The purpose of the Filipino parent survey was to learn more information about adolescent immunizations. This survey included knowledge, attitudes and beliefs questions about all recommended adolescent vaccines, including HPV.

Methods:
A brief survey was administered by San Diego Immunization Branch staff, who conducted oral interviews with a convenience sample of Filipino parents attending the 3rd Annual Filipino-American Festival in San Diego.

Results:
Most Filipino parents (n=20) surveyed were aware of vaccines available for their adolescent, including Tdap, HPV and Meningococcal but unaware of specific recommendations for each vaccine. A few parents were aware of the college-age recommendation for Meningococcal vaccine, but did not know it was recommended for preteens. Of the parents with female preteens, nearly 60% of them received the HPV vaccine with no out-of-pocket costs. Of those who did not receive the HPV vaccine, all parents responded that their child was not sexually active and therefore did not need the vaccine.

Conclusions:
Targeted outreach to Filipino parents of adolescents is needed to better inform parents about immunization recommendations for their preteens and teens, especially regarding HPV vaccine. Efforts to educate physicians about discussing HPV Vaccine with Filipino parents should be considered as physicians were cited as the main source of information for preteen health. Community partnerships with clinics, community groups and Filipino news media should be utilized to promote immunizations.