Factors associated with HPV vaccination decision-making among Korean American women

Despite a significant reduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the United States in the past decade, Korean American (KA) women experience a disproportionately high cervical cancer burden due to low HPV vaccination rates. Given associations between parental decision-making and adolescent vaccination, it is crucial to identify and address factors influencing parental HPV vaccination decision-making for their children. The purpose of this study was to examine the sociodemographic characteristics and health literacy factors in relation to KA women’s willingness to allow their daughters to receive HPV vaccination. We used baseline data collected from 560 KA women who participated in a cluster-randomized trial designed to promote mammography and Pap test screening. Participants answered study questionnaires measuring individual characteristics, cancer literacy, HPV knowledge, and HPV vaccination decision-making for their daughters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the correlates of HPV vaccination decision-making among participants. Over half of the participants (54%) endorsed HPV vaccination for their daughters. Low knowledge, compared to high and medium HPV knowledge (aOR 3.48, CI 2.01–6.04 and aOR 2.14, CI 1.46–3.12, respectively), were significantly associated with higher odds of participants’ intention to vaccinate their daughters. Additionally, in comparison to low cancer literacy, middle-range cancer literacy (aOR 1.70, CI 1.08–2.68) was significantly associated with higher odds of participants’ intention to vaccinate their daughters. Misperceptions about cancer and low HPV knowledge among KA women should be considered when providing vaccine counseling and developing interventions to promote cervical health in this population.