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Alaamri AM, Alghithi AM, Salih S, Omer HM. Acceptance and Associated Risk Factors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Parents of Daughters in Intermediate Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e43483. [PMID: 37711956 PMCID: PMC10499461 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women in Saudi Arabia have little knowledge of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and its vaccine. This study assessed the acceptance, barriers, and facilitators of HPV vaccination and its associated factors among parents of daughters in intermediate schools during the academic year September 2022-June 2023 in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to evaluate the barriers and facilitators of HPV vaccination and its associated factors among parents of daughters in intermediate schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS This was an analytical community-based cross-sectional study that targeted 947 parents of girls older than 15 in intermediate schools in Tabuk City. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data using a web-based survey. RESULTS The knowledge about HPV and its vaccine in mothers was 1.627 times higher than in fathers, mainly when employed, highly educated, aged <40 years, and earning a higher income. In addition, the Saudis' knowledge of HPV and its vaccine was 1.275 times higher than non-Saudis. The HPV vaccine acceptability among mothers was 1.259 times higher than the fathers, especially when non-employed, aged <40 years, and with higher income. The parent who knows the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer accepts the vaccine 1.794 times higher than those who ignore this relationship. On the other hand, the Saudi's acceptability of the vaccine was 0.671 times lower than non-Saudis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atheer M Alaamri
- Preventive Medicine, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU
| | | | - Safa Salih
- Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Hamza M Omer
- Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Tabuk, SAU
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Xie H, Zhu HY, Jiang NJ, Yin YN. Awareness of HPV and HPV vaccines, acceptance to vaccination and its influence factors among parents of adolescents 9 to 18 years of age in China: A cross-sectional study. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 71:73-78. [PMID: 37028228 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination uptake rates for adolescents are still low in China despite safe and effective human papillomavirus vaccines being available. The awareness and attitudes of parents to HPV vaccines play a decisive role in adolescents' HPV vaccination uptake. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from March, 2022 to May, 2022 using an anonymous questionnaire among parents of 9 to 18 years of age from 73 cities in 23 provinces in mainland China. Demographic characteristics of parents, their knowledge and attitudes about HPV and HPV vaccination, as well as factors influencing HPV vaccination in adolescents were assessed. RESULTS More than two-thirds of parents heard of HPV (75.5%) and HPV vaccines (84.7%). Of these participants, mothers (83.8%) were in the majority. Parents willing to vaccinate themselves and their children against HPV were 84.9% and 87.6%, respectively. Parents were more likely to vaccinate their daughters against HPV than their sons (P < 0.001). Parents who had heard of the HPV vaccines (P = 0.028) or had vaccinated themselves (P < 0.001) were more likely to have HPV vaccination for their children. Parents who accepted the price of the HPV vaccines (P = 0.005) were more likely to have their children vaccinated against HPV. CONCLUSIONS Children's gender, awareness of the HPV vaccines, parental HPV vaccination, and the price of the HPV vaccines are likely to be the reason for parents' vaccine hesitancy for adolescents. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Nurses have a critical role in identifying parental hesitancy and providing individualized education to expand the parental awareness and knowledge and encourage on-time adolescents vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xie
- Department of Gynecology Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University / West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Han-Yue Zhu
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ni-Jie Jiang
- Department of Gynecology Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University / West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ya-Nan Yin
- Department of Gynecology Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University / West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Willingness of parents of 9-to-18-year-old females in China to vaccinate their daughters with HPV vaccine. Vaccine 2023; 41:130-135. [PMID: 36411136 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine, willingness to have their daughters receive HPV vaccine, and factors associated with knowledge and willingness among parents of females 9 to 18 years of age in China. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents with daughters 9 to 18 years of age in four provinces of China using a self-administered questionnaire. We used multivariable regression analyses to determine factors associated with willingness vaccinate. RESULTS We received completed surveys from 5,215 parents. Among respondents, 846 (16.24 %) had a high level of knowledge about HPV (total score ≥ 5). High level of HPV knowledge was associated with having daughters who were <15 years old; having experience paying out-of-pocket for other vaccines; being a mother; having higher educational achievement; being a medical staff member; being in a higher-income category; and residing in an urban area. There were 2,419 (46.39 %) parents who were willing to vaccinate their daughter against HPV and 2,757 (52.87 %) who were willing to receive vaccine themselves (for female respondents) or indicated willingness of their spouse to be vaccinated (for male respondents). Willingness of mothers to be vaccinated was associated with daughters' age being greater than 14 years; having previously purchased self-paid vaccines; having higher educational achievement; being in a higher-income category; having a higher level of knowledge; and residing in an urban area. Parental willingness to vaccinate daughters was associated with daughters' age being greater than 14 years, age of parents younger 40, a history of purchasing self-paid vaccines; higher educational achievement; having a higher level of knowledge; being willing to receive HPV vaccine (themselves or their spouse); and residing in an urban area. CONCLUSIONS Level of knowledge and willingness to have daughters vaccinated with HPV vaccine are low among Chinese parents. For universal HPV vaccination of females 9-18 years of age, it is necessary to educate parents about HPV and HPV vaccine, and to reduce the price of HPV vaccine.
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Scheiber A, Prinster TB, Stecko H, Wang T, Scott S, Shah SH, Wyne K. COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Vaccine Hesitancy Among Spanish-Speaking Free Clinic Patients. J Community Health 2023; 48:127-135. [PMID: 36315301 PMCID: PMC9619016 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We sought to assess COVID-19 vaccination rates, as well as attitudes and beliefs towards the vaccine, of patients in a Spanish-speaking student-run free clinic in Columbus, Ohio. A cross-sectional study was performed. Surveys were distributed to all individuals over 18 years who presented to La Clínica Latina between July, 2022 and September, 2022. A convenience sample was used: patients in the waiting room and their accompanying family members or friends were invited to participate. Subjects were excluded if under the age of 18 or over the age of 75, or if non-Spanish speaking. Of the 158 individuals who agreed to participate in our study, 146 responded to the question regarding vaccination status, revealing 90.4% of respondents had received a COVID-19 vaccination. Most respondents learned about the vaccine from social media (26.4%) or television (22.7%). The majority of participants sought answers to questions surrounding the vaccine by asking their doctor (49.1%). The most common reason among unvaccinated participants for not undergoing vaccination was fear of an adverse reaction to the vaccine (n = 11). We found that a large proportion (90.4%) of individuals seeking care at a Spanish-speaking free clinic were vaccinated against COVID-19. Our study also provides perspective on the means of health knowledge acquisition and behaviors in this predominantly Latinx patient population in central Ohio. We can utilize our results to optimize and tailor clinic services and initiatives for COVID-19 boosters to meet the needs of this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Scheiber
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Teresa B. Prinster
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Hunter Stecko
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Tina Wang
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Sara Scott
- Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, Martinez, CA USA
| | - Summit H. Shah
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Kathleen Wyne
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH USA
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Tankwanchi ABS, Jaca A, Ndlambe AM, Zantsi ZP, Bowman B, Garrison MM, Larson HJ, Vermund SH, Wiysonge CS. Non-COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among migrant populations worldwide: a scoping review of the literature, 2000-2020. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1269-1287. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2084075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anelisa Jaca
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA
| | - Asiphe M Ndlambe
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA
| | - Zukiswa P Zantsi
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA
| | - Brett Bowman
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA
| | - Michelle M Garrison
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heidi J Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Charles S Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA
- Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, SA
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA
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Díaz EN, Le Q, Campos D, Reyes JM, Wright JA, Greaney ML, Lindsay AC. Central American Parents' Preferences for Content and Modality for a Family-Centered Intervention to Promote Healthful Energy Balance-Related Behaviors of Their Preschool-Age Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095080. [PMID: 35564475 PMCID: PMC9101972 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This formative research used a cross-sectional survey to assess interest in informational content and intervention modalities for the design of an early childhood obesity prevention intervention for Central American families from the Northern Triangle countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) living in the United States. A total of 74 parents (36 mothers, 38 fathers) with a mean age of 31.6 years (SD = 5.6) completed the survey; 59.5% of whom were born outside of the United States. Although most parents reported being very interested in receiving information related to the seven assessed energy balance-related behaviors, there were significant differences by parents’ gender and nativity. Most parents endorsed remote modalities for content delivery via text/SMS, WhatsApp, and e-mail. However, respondents were also receptive to in-person delivery provided by community health workers. There were also significant differences in parents’ preferences for intervention modalities by parents’ gender and nativity. Future steps should include investigating different intervention modalities and their integration into a linguistic and culturally sensitive family-based intervention to promote healthful energy balance-related behaviors of preschool-age children in Central American families originating from the Northern Triangle countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Díaz
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA; (E.N.D.); (D.C.); (J.M.R.); (J.A.W.)
| | - Qun Le
- Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | - Daniel Campos
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA; (E.N.D.); (D.C.); (J.M.R.); (J.A.W.)
| | - Jesnny M. Reyes
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA; (E.N.D.); (D.C.); (J.M.R.); (J.A.W.)
| | - Julie A. Wright
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA; (E.N.D.); (D.C.); (J.M.R.); (J.A.W.)
| | - Mary L. Greaney
- Department of Health Studies, College of Health Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA;
| | - Ana Cristina Lindsay
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA; (E.N.D.); (D.C.); (J.M.R.); (J.A.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Lindsay AC, Delgado D, Valdez MJ, Restrepo E, Guzman YM. "I don't Think He Needs the HPV Vaccine Cause Boys Can't Have Cervical Cancer": a Qualitative Study of Latina Mothers' (Mis) Understandings About Human Papillomavirus Transmission, Associated Cancers, and the Vaccine. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:370-378. [PMID: 32654037 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States and etiologically linked to several types of cancers including the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynges. Evidence indicates certain types of HPV-associated cancers disproportionally affect Latinos in the United States. This qualitative study sought to explore Latina mothers' perceptions and understanding of HPV infection, HPV-associated cancers, and the HPV vaccination for their adolescent sons and daughters. Twenty-two individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted in 2018-2019 with mothers who had at least one child between the ages of 11 and 19 years. Data were analyzed using a hybrid method of thematic analysis that incorporated deductive and inductive approaches. Two major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) mothers' (mis) understanding about HPV infection transmission and HPV-associated cancer risk for girls and boys, and (2) mothers' (mis) understandings about the HPV vaccination for girls and boys. Results found that most mothers had inadequate understanding of HPV transmission, HPV-associated cancer risk for males, and need to vaccinate boys against the virus for their own personal health and prevention of HPV-associated cancers. Findings suggest that interventions should focus on improving Latina mothers' understanding of HPV transmission, addressing the lack or inadequate knowledge about HPV-associated cancer risk for males, as well as misconceptions about the importance of the HPV vaccination for males for their personal health and the prevention of HPV-associated cancers. Future research should quantify Latino parents' awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine for their sons and daughters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Lindsay
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
| | - Denisse Delgado
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Madelyne J Valdez
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Emily Restrepo
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Yessica M Guzman
- Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
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Chu H, Ko LK, Ibrahim A, Mohamed FB, Lin J, Shankar M, Amsalu F, Ali AA, Richardson BA, Taylor VM, Winer RL. The impact of an educational forum intervention on East African mothers' HPV vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to vaccinate their adolescent children. Vaccine 2021; 39:3767-3776. [PMID: 34053792 PMCID: PMC9984200 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HPV vaccine uptake in U.S. East African adolescents is low. We developed and evaluated a culturally-targeted interactive educational intervention for East African immigrant mothers to increase HPV-vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to vaccinate adolescent children. METHODS Eligible mothers had ≥ 1 11-17-year-old child and reported all children's HPV vaccination status as unvaccinated or unknown. The intervention was delivered via 10 dinners in the Seattle metropolitan area (8 with the Somali community, 2 with the Ethiopian community). Educational presentations and pre/post-tests on knowledge, attitudes, and intentions were conducted in the participants' native language by a co-ethnic physician. Pre/post differences in responses were evaluated with McNemar's tests and GEE models. HPV vaccination uptake 6-months post-intervention was evaluated using state immunization registry data. RESULTS Of 115 participating mothers, most (84%) were Somali and < 40 years of age (60%). Median years of formal education was 8 (range 0-16), and 61% reported a household income <$25,000. Knowledge of HPV/HPV-vaccines was low pre-intervention, with correct responses ranging from 4% to 39% (61%-91% of responses were "not sure"); correct post-intervention responses ranged from 29% to 97%. Pre-intervention, only 12% of mothers thought they had enough information to make a decision about vaccination, compared to 90% post-intervention. Pre-intervention, only 16% of mothers reported that they were somewhat or very likely to vaccinate their child, compared to 83% post-intervention. All pre/post comparisons were statistically significantly different (p < 0.0001). Although mothers were more likely to report correct HPV-related knowledge and positive vaccine attitudes and intentions post-intervention, only two mothers' children initiated HPV vaccination within 6 months after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Results illustrate that a culturally targeted educational intervention effectively increased East African mothers' HPV vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to vaccinate their adolescent children. Future research should identify additional intervention components that can bridge the gap between intention and behavior to facilitate HPV vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Chu
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15(th) Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Linda K. Ko
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195 USA.,Division of Public Health Services, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N. M3-B232, Seattle, WA 98102 USA
| | - Anisa Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 9(th) Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA; Somali Health Board, 7050 32nd AVE S. Seattle, WA 98118, USA.
| | - Farah Bille Mohamed
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351619, Seattle, WA 981195 USA
| | - John Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351619, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Megha Shankar
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 356421, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Fanaye Amsalu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351619, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Ahmed A. Ali
- Somali Health Board, 7050 32nd AVE S. Seattle, WA 98118 USA
| | - Barbra A. Richardson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351617, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Victoria M. Taylor
- Division of Public Health Services, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N. M3-B232, Seattle, WA 98102 USA
| | - Rachel L. Winer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351619, Seattle, WA 981195 USA
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Lindsay AC. Avancemos! Building Partnerships Between Academia and Underserved Latinx Communities to Address Health Disparities Through a Faculty-Mentored Undergraduate Research Program. Health Promot Pract 2020; 23:569-576. [PMID: 32857611 DOI: 10.1177/1524839920953782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Latinx is the largest minority population group in the United States and disproportionately affected by health disparities. Efforts to address such health disparities require a concerted, multipronged approach that should involve training the next generation of Latinx health professionals to become part of a culturally competent workforce. This article describes a formative assessment of a faculty mentored undergraduate research program at the University Massachusetts-Boston, called "Avancemos!: Advancing Research Skills and Professional Career Opportunities in Health Sciences for Latinx Undergraduate Students" designed to provide mentorship, research training, and professional career development skills for undergraduate Latinx students. We employed a mixed-method approach in the formative assessment of the program. Our results showed that over the course of four academic semesters the program served a majority female, first-generation, immigrant low-income Latinx undergraduate students. Our qualitative assessment of students' perceived benefits of participation in the program suggests positive effects on a number of areas including the acquisition of concrete and marketable research skills, enhanced understanding and application of knowledge gained in other courses, increased network, enhanced sense of belonging to the academic community, increased professional self-confidence, and enhanced preparedness and plans to pursue graduate studies. Furthermore, our findings suggest that participation in community-engaged research activities offered opportunities for students to realize the role research plays in reducing health disparities. Faculty-mentored undergraduate research programs such as the Avancemos! offer essential opportunities to build partnerships between academia and underserved Latinx communities to address health disparities, while contributing to the development of culturally competent health professions workforce.
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