Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Abstract/Artist Statement
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with 13 million new infections emerging every year, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. About 10% of these infections persists, progressing to cause cancers. In previous research conducted in Montana, physicians and public health stakeholders identified greater parental/patient informational needs and limited time for vaccine discussions as barriers to HPV vaccination. Non-physician health care personnel, like nurses and medical assistants, could help bridge this gap and serve as vaccine champions. So far, majority of the studies focused on vaccine confidence among providers have primarily focused on physicians. Through this project we collated state-level data on the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of nurses with a long-term goal of optimizing their impact in HPV vaccine promotion in Montana.
Methods: We developed a 70-item survey instrument based on a review of existing literature and surveys, including questions created through the CDC-funded Rapid Cycle Survey Collaborative for Provider Input on Immunization Issues. The survey instrument was pre-tested with a small but diverse group (n=7) of nurses and medical assistants. We administered electronic surveys to a state-wide network of nurses and medical assistants working at facilities that participated in the VFC program between December 2020 to March 2021. We sent two email reminders before closing the survey. Data were analyzed for a final sample of 270 participants.
Results: Overall, 56% of respondents were registered nurses, 24% were medical assistants, and 17% were licensed practical nurses. Among respondents, 53.7% reported having a process at their clinics to identify and contact patients that are due for their immunization visit. More nurses reported experiencing greater parental vaccine refusal or delay among males than females and this finding remained consistent across age groups. Most respondents (92.5%) agreed that it is important to vaccinate adolescents against HPV before they engage in any physical intimacy. About 38.1% of respondents reported that misinformation that parents receive from the internet and social media were major barriers to HPV vaccine uptake. Regarding strategies to improve vaccination rates in Montana, 61.4% nurses and medical assistants identified emphasizing cancer prevention while discussing HPV vaccine as being very effective. Collaborating with schools to offer HPV vaccine onsite to increase uptake was also recommended.
Discussion: This study offers a glimpse into adolescent vaccination practices, perceptions and attitudes among nurses and medical assistants in Montana. Training opportunities on communication strategies can help nurses provide a strong HPV vaccine recommendation. Ways to improve vaccination coverage identified in this study include engaging parents in vaccine education, providing clear and consistent messages on the importance of HPV vaccination for cancer prevention, and investing in school-based immunization programs.
Significance: The HPV vaccine series completion rates in Montana have lagged considerably and is well below the goal 80%. These HPV vaccine uptake rates are problematic because, despite the availability of a vaccine aimed at cancer prevention, adequate protection against HPV-related infections and cancers is not being realized. Through our study, we attempted to explore Montana nurses’ role in cancer prevention so that we can design evidence-based strategies to engage them in providing strong vaccine recommendations to boost HPV vaccine uptake.
Mentor Name
Sophia Newcomer
Nurses’ Practices, Attitudes, and Beliefs regarding Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: a Cross-sectional State-wide Survey of Montana Nurses
UC North Ballroom
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with 13 million new infections emerging every year, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. About 10% of these infections persists, progressing to cause cancers. In previous research conducted in Montana, physicians and public health stakeholders identified greater parental/patient informational needs and limited time for vaccine discussions as barriers to HPV vaccination. Non-physician health care personnel, like nurses and medical assistants, could help bridge this gap and serve as vaccine champions. So far, majority of the studies focused on vaccine confidence among providers have primarily focused on physicians. Through this project we collated state-level data on the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of nurses with a long-term goal of optimizing their impact in HPV vaccine promotion in Montana.
Methods: We developed a 70-item survey instrument based on a review of existing literature and surveys, including questions created through the CDC-funded Rapid Cycle Survey Collaborative for Provider Input on Immunization Issues. The survey instrument was pre-tested with a small but diverse group (n=7) of nurses and medical assistants. We administered electronic surveys to a state-wide network of nurses and medical assistants working at facilities that participated in the VFC program between December 2020 to March 2021. We sent two email reminders before closing the survey. Data were analyzed for a final sample of 270 participants.
Results: Overall, 56% of respondents were registered nurses, 24% were medical assistants, and 17% were licensed practical nurses. Among respondents, 53.7% reported having a process at their clinics to identify and contact patients that are due for their immunization visit. More nurses reported experiencing greater parental vaccine refusal or delay among males than females and this finding remained consistent across age groups. Most respondents (92.5%) agreed that it is important to vaccinate adolescents against HPV before they engage in any physical intimacy. About 38.1% of respondents reported that misinformation that parents receive from the internet and social media were major barriers to HPV vaccine uptake. Regarding strategies to improve vaccination rates in Montana, 61.4% nurses and medical assistants identified emphasizing cancer prevention while discussing HPV vaccine as being very effective. Collaborating with schools to offer HPV vaccine onsite to increase uptake was also recommended.
Discussion: This study offers a glimpse into adolescent vaccination practices, perceptions and attitudes among nurses and medical assistants in Montana. Training opportunities on communication strategies can help nurses provide a strong HPV vaccine recommendation. Ways to improve vaccination coverage identified in this study include engaging parents in vaccine education, providing clear and consistent messages on the importance of HPV vaccination for cancer prevention, and investing in school-based immunization programs.
Significance: The HPV vaccine series completion rates in Montana have lagged considerably and is well below the goal 80%. These HPV vaccine uptake rates are problematic because, despite the availability of a vaccine aimed at cancer prevention, adequate protection against HPV-related infections and cancers is not being realized. Through our study, we attempted to explore Montana nurses’ role in cancer prevention so that we can design evidence-based strategies to engage them in providing strong vaccine recommendations to boost HPV vaccine uptake.