Increasing human papillomavirus vaccination intent and knowledge through an educational intervention

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widely discussed topic in healthcare as it affects patients of all genders and ages who partake in sexual activity. The most significant concern it poses to those at risk is HPV-related cancer. Fortunately, a vaccination exists that targets specific strains associated with these types of cancers. Despite evidence-based research supporting the vaccination's efficacy and safety, lack of awareness and misinformation diminish the receipt of the vaccine and drive the lack of protection. Thus, educational interventions directed at parents and caregivers, which aims to improve their understanding of HPV and the vaccination's benefits, is key to increasing vaccination rates. This project aims to answer the PICOT question Does HPV education given to parents and caregivers of children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 17 result in higher HPV vaccination intent and knowledge? Evidence-based articles that use education to improve vaccination rates, intent, or knowledge using different forms of education and different target populations were located. Overall, research supports education to promote HPV-awareness and increasing vaccination uptake to decrease HPV-related cancers. The use of technology to increase knowledge is essential today as the coronavirus pandemic has driven our nation to accomplish social distancing measures while still performing everyday activities. To increase HPV knowledge and vaccination intent through a technology-based educational intervention, Lewin's Change Theory and the Iowa Model were used to help guide the project using a step-by-step process. For this DNP project, a video on HPV education was delivered and change in HPV knowledge and vaccination intent was measured through Qualtrics XM surveys, which were accessible through a link provided on social media and pediatrician offices. Results revealed that there was no statistical significance amongst demographics, including gender, age, ethnicity, education, and marital status, and a change in overall HPV iv knowledge. However, when analyzing vaccination intent pre-and post-survey, statistical significance (p = 0) was evident as 14/36 (38.89%) of the participants changed whether they intended to vaccinate their child or adolescent from "no" to "yes" after receiving the educational intervention. The project facilitator also found statistical significance (p < 0.001) amongst HPV Knowledge Survey scores from the pre- and post-survey answers as there was a mean increase of -1.22, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from -1.76 to -0.69). Overall, the project addresses the problem of the lack of HPV-related knowledge and vaccination intent amongst caregivers of adolescents and children and furthermore, has the capability of increasing HPV vaccination rates. Nevertheless, limitations and recommendations enhancing implementation and driving sustainability to improve patient outcomes in the future are addressed further. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)