Development and Implementation of a Pre-Teen Vaccine Media and Public Engagement Campaign for Caregivers of American Indian 11 and 12 Year Olds

Background:
Through formative research, CDC adapted its general Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign materials to create culturally appropriate educational materials and messages for female caregivers of American Indian pre-teens. These messages and materials are being disseminated through a New Mexico pilot project, using both community and media channels.

Objectives:
--Assess KABs of caregivers about pre-teen vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
--Adapt educational materials and messages so they are culturally appropriate.
--Establish American Indian community and media partnerships.
--Distribute materials and messages to local and national American Indian organizations.
--Implement a pilot project targeting female caregivers.

Methods:
Fourteen focus groups were conducted with female caregivers of American Indian 11 and 12 year olds in New Mexico and Oregon in June and July 2008. Caregivers resided in a mixture of urban and rural areas. Groups were moderated by American Indian moderators and were recorded. Analysis was conducted using notes and using transcripts from the recordings.

Results:
Some caregivers knew HPV is sexually transmitted and associated with cervical cancer, but others did not. In rural NM, some did not know about the link between HPV and cervical cancer. Not all participants knew the technical names of body parts, such as the cervix, or that only women have a cervix. Participants knew little about meningitis or pertussis and the vaccines.

Conclusions:
Caregivers need to be educated that cervical cancer is not genetic, is caused by a virus, and can be prevented with a vaccine. They want to know that the vaccines are safe, long lasting, who they are recommended for, and why. Materials and information about pertussis and meningitis are needed as well. Written materials should be clear and simple. Oral messages are also important. It is vital to engage tribal leaders and communities in all phases of materials adaptation and dissemination.