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Investigating Stakeholder Attitudes and Opinions on School‐Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Programs
Author(s) -
Nodulman Jessica A.,
Starling Randall,
Kong Alberta S.,
Buller David B.,
Wheeler Cosette M.,
Woodall W. Gill
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12253
Subject(s) - vaccination , stakeholder , human papillomavirus , focus group , family medicine , medicine , ethnic group , public health , psychology , medical education , public relations , political science , nursing , business , immunology , marketing , law
BACKGROUND In several countries worldwide, school‐based human papillomavirus ( HPV ) vaccination programs have been successful; however, little research has explored US stakeholders' acceptance toward school‐based HPV vaccination programs.METHODS A total of 13 focus groups and 12 key informant interviews (N = 117; 85% females; 66% racial/ethnic minority) were conducted with 5 groups of stakeholders: parents of adolescent girls, parents of adolescent boys, adolescent girls, middle school nurses, and middle school administrators throughout the 5 public health regions of New Mexico.RESULTS All groups of stakeholders lacked knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccines. Stakeholders were interested in—but apprehensive about—the benefits of HPV vaccination. Despite previous literature showing the benefits of using middle schools as an HPV vaccination site, stakeholders did not deem middle schools as a viable site for vaccination. Nurses reported that using the school as an HPV vaccination site had not occurred to them; parents and adolescents stated they were uncertain about using this type of program. School administrators indicated that they lacked implementation authority.CONCLUSIONS Our study uncovered barriers to using middle schools as a site of HPV vaccination. Resources should be directed toward increased support and education for middle school nurses who function as opinion leaders relevant to the uptake of HPV vaccination.