Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Messaging on TikTok: Social Media Content Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is viewed as a critical tool to protect against six HPV-related cancers. Vaccination is recommended from early adolescence through age 26 years. As young people have become increasingly involved in personal health-related decisions, there is a need to tailor HPV vaccine messaging and reach this priority population on social media and digital outlets. TikTok is a growing social media platform with approximately 70% of its users between the ages of 13 and 24 years. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to understand HPV vaccine messaging and interactions on TikTok as a needed first step to identifying effective strategies to reach young people with important health messaging. METHODS: Content analysis was performed on 170 top TikToks focused on the HPV vaccine. TikToks were assessed for content, classification type, and number of interactions. RESULTS: Most TikToks were provaccine, while antivaccine TikToks had more user interactions. Cancer and prevention were the main content areas of the analyzed provaccine TikToks, while the side effects were the primary focus of antivaccine messages. Approximately 30% of all top TikToks analyzed were developed by health professionals. TikToks without an explicit vaccine opinion primarily described personal experiences and mentioned side effects most often. IMPLICATIONS: TikTok is a growing social media platform that can be used to reach young people and encourage HPV vaccine uptake. Health professionals need to consider the interest that users have in personal experiences and address antivaccine narratives related to side effects.

Case Study of a Comprehensive Team-Based Approach to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in West Virginia. In addition, 51% of all colorectal cancers diagnosed in West Virginia from 2012 to 2016 were detected at either regional (31%) or distant (20%) stages indicating a need for improved early detection. Methods: West Virginia University Cheat Lake Physicians participated in the West Virginia Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening, a program of Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute. As a result, Cheat Lake Physicians assembled a team of health care professionals to implement evidence-based interventions and system changes including provider assessment and feedback, patient reminders, accurate data capture, and tracking of CRC screening tests. Results: These efforts resulted in a 15.8% increase in colorectal cancer screening rates within one year of implementation. Additionally, the clinic achieved a 66% return rate for Fecal Immunochemical Test kits, an inexpensive, stool-based colorectal cancer screening test. Implications: The utilization of a team-based approach to patient care yields positive results that can be carried over to other cancer and disease prevention efforts in primary care clinics.

Advancing Cancer Prevention Practice Facilitation Work in Rural Primary Care During COVID-19.

COVID-19 and the response to slow the virus spread in West Virginia (WV), including a statewide stay-at-home order, presented challenges to rural primary care clinics on the frontlines. These challenges affected critical quality improvement work, including cancer screening services. In this commentary, the authors present the results of a survey of WV primary care practices that highlight potential long-term implications and identifies opportunities for practice facilitators to partner with rural primary care clinics to address them.

Leveraging Electronic Health Records Data for Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Screening Efforts.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States for men and women combined. While the current threat of disease nationally is significant, the majority of colorectal cancer cases and deaths could be prevented through established screening tests and guidelines. Within the Appalachian region and West Virginia in particular, colorectal cancer is a significant public health problem. A more systematic, comprehensive approach to preventing and controlling cancer is essential. Methods: Through the West Virginia Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening, primary care systems across the state received data-informed practice facilitation designed to increase screening rates. Results: Year-1 cohort health systems had an overall baseline screening rate of 28.4% during calendar year 2014. This rate increased and remained steady during the three follow-up measurement time periods, with a rate of 49.5% during calendar year 2018. This increase is notably greater than comparable health systems not part of the initiative. Implications: Lessons learned in increasing colorectal cancer screening rates are applicable to other priority health needs as well.