"We are Muslims and these diseases don't happen to us": A qualitative study of the views of young Somali men and women concerning HPV immunization.
Emigrants and Immigrants
/ psychology
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Islam
/ psychology
Male
Minnesota
Papillomavirus Infections
/ prevention & control
Papillomavirus Vaccines
/ administration & dosage
Qualitative Research
Somalia
Vaccination
/ psychology
Vaccination Refusal
/ psychology
HPV
Immigrant
Qualitative
Somali
Vaccine
Journal
Vaccine
ISSN: 1873-2518
Titre abrégé: Vaccine
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 8406899
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
03 04 2019
03 04 2019
Historique:
received:
24
09
2018
revised:
05
03
2019
accepted:
06
03
2019
pubmed:
16
3
2019
medline:
15
9
2020
entrez:
16
3
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali immigrant population in the United States. Despite high rates of cervical cancer in this population, immunization rates for the human papillomavirus (HPV) are among the lowest in the nation. Targeting Somali young adults for catch-up vaccinations may be an important strategy for addressing these low rates. This study sought to understand the views of Somali young adults regarding HPV immunization. Four focus groups (N = 34; 21 women) were conducted at an urban clinic in Minnesota. Two groups were all female, one all male, and one mixed gender. Participants in each group discussed their views on immunization in general, and then their views on HPV immunization. Most participants had prior negative experiences with immunization and were skeptical concerning its value. In general, participants had low knowledge about HPV, though they expressed interest in knowing more. Views about HPV were influenced by culture, with risk perceived as low due to interpretations of religious beliefs and expectations around sexual behavior. Low levels of trust in doctors and other healthcare providers influenced participants' perceptions of the benefits of immunization. Participants also valued autonomy highly and resented having received required vaccinations without much choice, such as through their immigration experience or by school authorities. Participants suggested making more opportunities available for learning about HPV and how to prevent it, including via web-based platforms. An important opportunity exists to address low HPV immunization rates in the Somali American population by offering vaccination to young adults, who are interested in learning more about HPV. However, key barriers around HPV needs to be addressed in ways that respect the need for autonomy in this age group and that build trust with providers, which may mean avoiding authoritative approaches.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali immigrant population in the United States. Despite high rates of cervical cancer in this population, immunization rates for the human papillomavirus (HPV) are among the lowest in the nation. Targeting Somali young adults for catch-up vaccinations may be an important strategy for addressing these low rates. This study sought to understand the views of Somali young adults regarding HPV immunization.
METHODS
Four focus groups (N = 34; 21 women) were conducted at an urban clinic in Minnesota. Two groups were all female, one all male, and one mixed gender. Participants in each group discussed their views on immunization in general, and then their views on HPV immunization.
FINDINGS
Most participants had prior negative experiences with immunization and were skeptical concerning its value. In general, participants had low knowledge about HPV, though they expressed interest in knowing more. Views about HPV were influenced by culture, with risk perceived as low due to interpretations of religious beliefs and expectations around sexual behavior. Low levels of trust in doctors and other healthcare providers influenced participants' perceptions of the benefits of immunization. Participants also valued autonomy highly and resented having received required vaccinations without much choice, such as through their immigration experience or by school authorities. Participants suggested making more opportunities available for learning about HPV and how to prevent it, including via web-based platforms.
CONCLUSION
An important opportunity exists to address low HPV immunization rates in the Somali American population by offering vaccination to young adults, who are interested in learning more about HPV. However, key barriers around HPV needs to be addressed in ways that respect the need for autonomy in this age group and that build trust with providers, which may mean avoiding authoritative approaches.
Identifiants
pubmed: 30871929
pii: S0264-410X(19)30306-8
doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.03.006
pii:
doi:
Substances chimiques
Papillomavirus Vaccines
0
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
2043-2050Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.