Parental HPV knowledge and perceptions of HPV vaccines among Korean American parents

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine Korean-Americans (KA) parents’ level of knowledge and perceptions of the HPV vaccination, and to identify the differences in parental knowledge and perceptions of the HPV vaccine between KA parents who have vaccinated their children versus those who have not. Background: While there are significant concerns about HPV infection, lower immunization rates, and higher cervical cancer risks facing KAs, limited attention has been paid to the specific concerns of KA parents and barriers that underlie parental reluctance to vaccinate their children. Methods: A descriptive comparative design was used in a convenience sample of 74 KA parents. The study questionnaire consisted of demographic items, general knowledge of HPV, and parental perception regarding HPV vaccination. Results: The level of general knowledge about HPV was very low with a mean score of 3.14 out of 10. Many participants reported negative perception toward HPV vaccination. HPV knowledge scores were not significantly different between parents who did vaccinate their children compared to parents who did not. However, scores for perceived benefits and perceived barriers to vaccination were found to be significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: A lack of knowledge about HPV and negative perception of the HPV vaccination play a key role in preventing many KA parents from seeking appropriate information and delaying vaccination. Development of a culturally grounded and sensitive HPV education program is critical to improve and implement preventive measures for HPV in this population.