Empowering HPV: Using digital tools to increase vaccination for low-income women at the Safety Net Health Center
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. There are more than 40 types of HPV that affect reproductive areas including the cervix and can lead to cervical cancer. Vaccination against high-risk HPV types is critical to preventing cervical cancer, but differences persist in vaccination intake, especially among low-income groups, further expanding health inequality.
Professor Jennifer Warren, director of qualitative research at George Mason University, along with Dr. Suellen Hopfer and Emilia Fields of the University of California, Sahana Natarajan of the Center for Health Disparity Education for African Americans, Rhonda Belue of the University of Texas Dr. Rhonda Belue of the University of Texas, Professor Francis McKee of St. Andrew Development, Dr. Michael Hecht of Real Preference and Dr. Joel Lebed of Family Planning in Southeast Pennsylvania designed a design to revolutionize low Research on HPV prevention and vaccination in women. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal PEC Innovation.
To enhance patient education and engagement, Professor Warren and colleagues sought to gather valuable insights into the design and communication strategies of health kiosks stationed in family planning facilities. Their mission is clear: to delve into women’s preparation for such kiosks as sources of HPV prevention information and their willingness to receive QR codes and vaccine reminder text messages. By understanding these preferences, the study aims to adjust the kiosk design to effectively disseminate critical information about HPV risks and vaccination benefits.
To gain insight into women’s preferences, Professor Warren and her team conducted semi-structured interviews at the Family Planning Center in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia. Adult participants were aware of their HPV vaccination status and were removed from the center’s waiting room. The purpose of the interview was to use an open-ended question to investigate participants’ experiences with HPV vaccination and their perceptions about kiosk use and design.
“This study reveals a high level of acceptance among low-income women utilizing family planning services. It is encouraging, especially considering that 100% of unvaccinated female participants have access to healthy kiosks,” Professor Warren said. explain. Participants cite easy access, interest in health information and a reduction in boredom, which are key motivations for using health kiosks.
While participants supported various aspects of kiosk design and information presentation, they also provided valuable suggestions for improvement, such as creating visually engaging designs and strategically placing kiosks in waiting rooms. They highlight the importance of relevant narratives in information kiosk videos, as well as interactive features and transparent information planning. To address concerns about privacy and discomfort, participants proposed practical solutions such as employee guidance, disposable earplugs, and privacy screens. Participants are familiar with the QR code, which provides a promising pathway to reach underserved communities outside of a healthy environment.
Although the study provides vital insights for designing health kiosks to better educate HPV education and vaccination among low-income women in family planning, limitations include the lack of socioeconomic status disclosure and a single stop for the study Point nature. Professor Warren concluded: “This study highlights an example of how to access U.S. safety net health centers such as family planning, such as family planning, to use digital health tools” and “ Digital health is a complementary resource for traditional health care that can be optimized to reduce reproductive and cancer-related health disparities. “Although the recognition of privacy issues and logistical barriers, the overall response to information kiosks and digital characteristics is promising, suggesting that this innovative approach bridges low-income women accessing reproductive health services in HPV education, awareness and vaccination Absorption.
Journal Reference
Jennifer R. Warren, Suellen Hopfer, Emilia J. Fields, et al. “Digital HPV education to increase vaccination for low-income women.” Pec Innov. , 2022.
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