Cultural Values Influencing Immigrant Haitian Mothers' Attitudes Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Daughters

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Tami Thomas, Emory University; Dionne P. Stephens, Florida International University
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-04-01
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2012.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0095798412461807
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Black Psychology
• ISSN: 0095-7984
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 156
• End Page: 168
• Grant/Funding Information: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
• Keywords: culture; Social Sciences; Psychology, Multidisciplinary; human papillomavirus; Haitian; vaccine; mothers; PREDICTORS; Psychology; sexuality
• Research Categories: Psychology, Social; Psychology, General

Abstract

Although research has shown that mothers significantly influence daughters' willingness to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), cultural factors influencing immigrant Haitian mothers' willingness to have adolescent daughters to be vaccinated are unknown. This is of concern as this population experiences disproportionately higher rates of HPV infection and related cervical cancers. This study identifies cultural beliefs influencing 31 immigrant Haitian mothers' willingness to vaccinate their daughters against HPV using semistructured interviews. Mothers had low levels of HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, and desired more information. Concerns centered on cultural values regarding adolescent sexuality and HIV/AIDS stigmas specific to Haitian communities. If vaccination were recommended by a physician, mothers are more likely to have their daughters vaccinated. HPV vaccination uptake efforts targeting Haitian months should emphasize physician involvement and incorporate culturally relevant health concerns.