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The HPV Vaccine: A Comparison of Focus Groups Conducted in South Africa and Ohio Appalachia

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Abstract

Worldwide, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women. Even though women in developing countries account for approximately 85 % of the cervical cancer cases and deaths, disparities in cervical cancer rates are also documented in developed countries like the United States (U.S.). Recently, formative research conducted in the U.S. and developing countries like South Africa have sought to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about cervical cancer prevention, HPV, and the acceptance of the HPV vaccine. This study compares findings from two independent focus group studies. One study was conducted in a segregated township in Johannesburg, South Africa (n = 24) and the other study was conducted in Ohio Appalachia (n = 19). The following seven themes emerged during the discussions from both studies: HPV and cervical cancer; health decision making; parent–child communication; healthy children; HPV vaccine costs; sexual abuse; and HPV vaccine education. Findings from both studies indicate the importance of the role of mothers and grandmothers in the health care decision-making process for children and a lack of awareness of HPV and its association with cervical cancer. While there was interest in the HPV vaccine, participants voiced concern about the vaccine’s cost and side effects. Some participants expressed concern that receipt of the HPV vaccine may initiate adolescent sexual behavior. However, other participants suggested that the HPV vaccine may protect young women who may experience sexual abuse. The importance of developing culturally appropriate educational materials and programs about cervical cancer prevention and the HPV vaccine were expressed by participants in both countries.

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Acknowledgments

The South Africa Women’s Health study was supported by an investigator initiated award from Merck Pharmaceuticals Inc. The contents of this presentation are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of Merck Inc. The authors would like to thank Dr. Soji Shogun, his clinic staff, and the study participants for providing so much insight. The Ohio Appalachia study was supported by National Cancer Institute Grants:P50CA105632 (PI: Electra Paskett), K07CA107079 (MLK), CA114622 (Appalachia Community Cancer Network), and the P30 CA016058 (Behavioral Measurement Shared Resource at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 354 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Shelley A. Francis & Mira L. Katz

  2. Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Suite 525, 1590 North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA

    Mira L. Katz

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  1. Shelley A. Francis
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  2. Mira L. Katz
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Correspondence to Shelley A. Francis.

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Francis, S.A., Katz, M.L. The HPV Vaccine: A Comparison of Focus Groups Conducted in South Africa and Ohio Appalachia. Matern Child Health J 17, 1222–1229 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-012-1116-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-012-1116-6

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