A Pilot Study of Pacific Islander and Asian-American college students' knowledge and intentions on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: Results and Recommendations

Background: Cervical cancer rates are disproportionately high in Pacific Islanders and Filipinas, who represent the largest ethnicities in Hawai‘i_.   HPV immunization rates are generally low.  No results exists on HPV knowledge, vaccination status or decision-making in college age Asian and Pacific Islander populations. A pilot intervention using community based participatory research (CBPR), multidisciplinary, and social media approaches were implemented to promote vaccination to university students.

A community advisory board (CAB) of Filipino and Pacific Islander students, faculty and professionals guided the project.  CAB members and student leaders pilot tested the pre-post intervention survey.  Student leaders facilitated peer focus planning groups and provided feedback on and participated in HPV vaccination promotion education.

Methods:  Pacific Islander and Filipino students were oversampled to complete pre and post surveys which were administered online via a convenience sample of students of faculty colleagues.  Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.  Chi-sq and  McNemar tests were also conducted between the pre and post data sets and between ethnic groups and grade levels..  Community and student leader focus groups will be conducted on their CBPR and multidisciplinary experiences.

Results: Pre-surveys (N=113) included 21% Pacific Islanders, 19% Filipinos, 41% other Asian students.  48% of the entire sample completed the 3-dose series.  90%of the initiators completed the series. 94% of respondents correctly answered 75% or more of the knowledge question.  Pacific Islander students and undergraduates had lower knowledge.  66% preferred to receive information from their health provider.  Post intervention survey will present results for comparison while focus groups will describe the CBPR and multidisciplinary approach.

Conclusions: Collaborating with community leaders may support participation of Pacific Islander and Filipino students in HPV vaccinations. This pilot study provides next steps to target education for Pacific Islanders and undergraduates to include administering a student body wide survey to yield larger representative sample, and examine social media and health provider participation in HPV vaccination.