Knowledge, Attitudes and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake Among an Immigrant and Refugee Catch-Up Group in a Western Canadian Province

Abstract

Vaccination is a key strategy to prevent cervical cancer in developed countries. Lower uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among new immigrants and refugees has been documented, although exploration of underlying reasons remains an understudied area. Semi-structured interviews with eleven immigrant women (ages 18–26 years) were conducted to understand their knowledge, attitudes and barriers regarding HPV vaccination in a western Canadian province. Participants had limited knowledge about HPV and the vaccine. Most women perceived that their risk of HPV was low, however expressed willingness to receive the vaccine if it were recommended by their physician. Greater efforts are needed to increase knowledge about HPV among immigrant and refugee women and support for physicians to discuss and offer vaccination to this underserved population.

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