Perceptions of the HPV Vaccine Among U.S. Hispanic Females: A Theory-Guided Systematic Review

Background: Although Hispanic females in the U.S. are among the highest groups of females to initiate the HPV vaccine, they are among the lowest to complete the series. This systematic review aimed to synthesize findings relevant to HPV vaccine beliefs and perceptions among Hispanic females residing in the U.S. 

Methods: Studies included in this review were those conducted after the vaccine was approved in 2006 by the FDA, on U.S. Hispanic females, focusing on beliefs and perceptions about the HPV vaccine. From 297 articles found in the search, only 16 met criteria. The constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) were used to abstract and present the results.

Results: The following five constructs of the HBM were used to present the results. Analysis of the articles reveals that the most cited modifying factors were level of knowledge on HPV and  age for HPV vaccination. Participant’s perceived susceptibility to HPV was wide-ranging, from some perceived risk to no perceived risk which affected participant’s decision regarding the HPV vaccine. The most cited perceived benefit was the vaccine’s ability to prevent cervical cancer. The most cited perceived barrier was fear that the vaccine would lead to an increase in sexual behaviors among young girls. The most effective cues to action were physician recommendation, followed by perceived social support, for the uptake of the HPV vaccine. 

Conclusions: Health care providers need to educate patients and family members in order to increase social support and recommend the HPV vaccine at every opportunity as they seem to be the leading cues to action for vaccination among Hispanic females. These articles provided good quality information, however more research is needed to advance culturally tailored education and interventions that will lead to an increase in completion of the HPV vaccine series among Hispanic females.