Barriers to HPV vaccine series completion among a predominantly hispanic border population: a mixed method evaluation

Abstract

Abstract Background Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. The HPV vaccine is a vital tool to prevent against several cancers, namely cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the uptake of the HPV vaccine among Hispanics is relatively low. Some barriers to uptake include language barriers, cultural taboos, and cost. Purpose This study aims to explore barriers to HPV vaccination in a predominantly Hispanic US-Mexico border county between June 2015 and March 2018. Methods A mixed-method approach was used to analyze covariates associated with HPV vaccine uptake and to evaluate barriers to HPV vaccination from participant follow-up calls or reminder notes. Results The total number of participants was 1,787. Young adults were less likely to complete the vaccination series than those aged 9-17, while individuals born in Mexico were more likely to do so. Failure to contact was the most common barrier (n=1,801, 86.42%), followed by scheduling concerns (n=99, 4.5%), being ineligible (74, 3.55%), completing series outside of the program (40, 1.92%), having medical concerns (36, 1.73%), and other reasons (34, 1.63%). Conclusion We predominantly identified structural barriers and various health-related determinants regarding healthcare access and quality.