Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Acceptability in Hispanic Males Living on the U.S./Mexico Border.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and the prevalence rate of infections is approximately 79 million. Research investigating HPV vaccine acceptability has primarily focused on female populations. The current study investigates factors associated with HPV vaccine acceptability in an underrepresented population within the literature, Hispanic males. Ninety-seven male participants (Mage = 21.68 years; SD = 3.97) were recruited from a large urban university along the U.S./Mexico border to complete a 15- to 20-minute survey. More than half of the sample reported to have had a sexual experience within the past 12 months and a fifth of these participants reported that they never use protection such as condoms. Furthermore, about half of the sample reported that they did not receive the HPV vaccine or were unaware if they received the HPV vaccine. A strong correlation emerged between individual vaccine risk perceptions and family vaccine risk perceptions (r = .82; p < .001). The following factors emerged as predictors of vaccine acceptability: having recommendations from health care providers, having a family with positive attitudes toward vaccines, and having a family that perceives less risks associated with vaccines. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Influenza and Intentions to Vaccinate in an Underserved Hispanic Population: The Role of Theoretically Derived Constructs.

BACKGROUND: Past research has focused on understanding influenza vaccine acceptance in non-Hispanic white populations; however, research on the social causes of influenza vaccine acceptance rates in Hispanic populations is slowly developing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess theoretically driven predictors (i.e. attitudes, perceptions, behaviors, etc.) on influenza and the intention to vaccinate. METHODS: A survey was administered to assess predictors of intentions to receive the influenza vaccine. The survey included items adapted from the National Flu Survey. RESULTS: Key constructs common in models of health behaviors emerged as predictors of behavioral intentions to receive the flu vaccine. Recent vaccination within the past year (P < 0.001), perceived effectiveness of the flu vaccine (P < 0.004), and perceived safety of the flu vaccine (P = 0.009) were predictors of intentions to vaccinate. Exploratory analyses revealed that government distrust was a statistically significant predictor of intentions to vaccinate (P = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The above results have important implications for health-care providers and public health educators. The better we understand the relationship between theoretically driven predictors and vaccine behaviors, the more educators and health-care providers can focus on meaningful, culturally sensitive, targeted-vaccine education.

Identifying opportunities for PharmD curricular reform by surveying oncology pharmacists about career preparedness and exposure.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of the study was to assess factors that predict pursuit of an oncology post-graduate year 2 (PGY-2) residency. Additional objectives included identifying the role of and exploring opportunities for PharmD curricula to increase student interest in the oncology field. METHODS: An anonymous 15-minute survey was developed and administered to oncology pharmacists and residents. Study participants were included if they were actively practicing as clinical pharmacists in an oncology setting in the US, maintained an active pharmacist license, and >18 years of age. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. All results are reported in aggregate, with the exception of quotes obtained from open-ended responses. RESULTS: Eighty participants were included in analyses. After controlling for variance due to age, sex, race, years of practice, the number of oncology advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) correlated with pursuit of a PGY-2 residency in oncology (p = 0.047). Additionally, participants' perceived level of preparedness from didactic oncology training predicted pursuit of an oncology PGY-2 residency (p = 0.002). Emerging themes in pursuing oncology from open-ended items revealed that inclusion of supportive care in the didactic curriculum and having a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer were important factors. Additionally, participants' responses regarding PharmD curricula included recommendations to inform didactic and experiential education. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the need for reevaluation of oncology education in PharmD curricula. Further studies could explore specific aspects of didactic curriculum that impact the level of student preparedness, and which elements encourage a student pharmacist to seek further training in the oncology field.