Identifying Barriers To HPV Vaccination For Patients With Sickle Cell
Disease And Childhood Cancer Survivors
Abstract
Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination prevents the
development of HPV-associated malignancies. Adolescent and young adult
(AYA) survivors of childhood cancers and patients with sickle cell
disease (SCD) are two vulnerable patient populations who would
significantly benefit from HPV vaccination. Objective: In this mixed
method study we determine the HPV vaccination rate amongst the AYA SCD
and childhood cancer survivor populations. We then sought to describe
patient and caregiver beliefs regarding HPV vaccination. Design/Method:
We performed a retrospective chart review looking at vaccination status
for patients seen in our clinics in 2019. Qualitative data was then
collected via audio recorded interviews. Interviews were analyzed with a
thematic content approach to understand attitudes regarding the HPV
vaccination. Results: We found a notable difference between the rate of
HPV vaccinations and other age-appropriate vaccinations in our childhood
cancers survivors and patients with SCD. Qualitative interviews found
that caregivers and AYA’s relied heavily on physician, recommendations
for HPV vaccination, with a preference for subspecialist recommendation.
A strong recommendation from a trusted subspecialty provider would
create reassurance about vaccination and reduce misconceptions and
concerns for side effects in the context of a chronic illness.
Conclusion: Counseling from subspecialists could have a strong impact on
understanding of the HPV vaccine in the context of chronic illness. This
would likely help overcome many of the barriers to vaccination that are
encountered by patients with SCD or oncology survivors.