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theses

Purpose: Despite the growing research and clear association between human papilloma virus and cancers, vaccination rates remain low. This is largely due to lack of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. This study aimed to assess the impact of providing an educational intervention on human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and intent to vaccinate among Orthodox Jews.
Methodology: The project took place in a private residence within an Orthodox Jewish community in northern New Jersey. The project consisted of a one-time ninety-minute educational session presented in a culturally and religiously sensitive manner offered to parents. A convenience sample of 14 Jewish mothers participated. The design of this study consisted of an analysis using a pre and post-test questionnaire to measure knowledge and intent to vaccinate. This project was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), which addresses perceived risks, benefits, barriers, susceptibility, and cues to action.
Results: Fourteen mothers (n=14) participated in this project. HPV and cervical cancer knowledge varied. The majority of the participants expressed a desire to have more information prior to making an informed decision on vaccinating their children. Perceived susceptibility was a key determinant preventing parents from vaccinating, due to the beliefs of religious and cultural practices of abstinence prior to marriage, and one life time partner. Mothers also expressed disappointment in the approach to how the vaccine was offered by the practitioners. Overall knowledge measured pre-intervention to post intervention increased by sixty percent. Using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test it was determined that the difference in knowledge pre versus post-intervention was statistically significant (p=0.05). Intent to vaccinate increased by a hundred and twenty percent (36% to 79%). A Chi-Square test for independence was performed to analyze intent pre and post-intervention, which was also found to be statistically significant (p=0.02).
Implications for Practice: This project supports the importance to raise parental awareness and knowledge on HPV and the vaccine via a culturally sensitive intervention tailored toward the Orthodox Jewish community to increase vaccination intent. The research findings can be used to expand educational forums, address attached reservations and gain support of healthcare personnel, religious leaders, and the community as a whole.

ETD_9616

DNP

Includes bibliographical references

doi:10.7282/t3-tjer-q216

ETD doctoral

The author owns the copyright to this work.