Understanding the decision to immunize: insights into the information needs and priorities of people who have utilized an online human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision aid tool

Abstract

Setting People in Alberta are more likely to seek information about cancer prevention online than they are to have this conversation with their primary care provider. As people turn to the internet to support health decision-making, it is critical that we improve the supportiveness of the virtual health setting for cancer prevention. Intervention In 2014, the Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund launched an online HPV Decision Aid Tool to support evidence-informed decision-making in response to suboptimal uptake of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. Google Analytics data from approximately 2000 recent interactions with this tool have yielded insights into the concerns that impact people's decision-making about the vaccine. Outcomes Most users of this tool are adults interested in the vaccine for themselves (69%), rather than parents considering immunizing their children (31%). No differences were found in the information-seeking behaviour of parents of girls compared with parents of boys, suggesting that mental models among those who are considering the HPV vaccine may have shifted in recent years. Concerns differed by respondent; cost was the most important concern among adults (62.0%), while parents were most concerned about vaccine safety (61.5%). Only 23% of users asked "what is HPV", suggesting that many people in Alberta now have basic knowledge about the virus. Implications Results provide a real-time "pulse" on knowledge and attitudes towards HPV immunization, which informs our approach to tailoring messaging with the aim of increasing vaccine uptake in Alberta. Outcomes will provide evidence needed to inform new interventions aimed at increasing HPV immunization rates.

Exploring enablers and inhibitors of eHealth educational tools: The needs of women searching for HPV and cervical cancer information

“…28 These issues include the prevalence of HPV, the association between HPV and cervical cancer, certain HPV types that cause cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening, and some risks and symptoms related to HPV. The information needs identified in this study were similar to results reported in studies conducted in England, 29,30 Canada, 31 and Malaysia. 32 The overlapping results support the need to provide women with information about HPV, its connection with cervical cancer, and prevention strategies.…”

Characteristics of immunisation support programmes in Canada: a scoping review and environmental scan

“…Online participation in some programmes (via mobile application) was credited as a facilitator to programme implementation and delivery due to ease of accessibility52 and ability to connect asynchronously in real-world settings 53. In one case, a programme was provided through a mobile application that had an existing large number of users 54…”

“…50 Finally, programmes that do not require a large time commitment from both those delivering the programme and participants may be more successful in their objectives. 51 Online participation in some programmes (via mobile application) was credited as a facilitator to programme implementation and delivery due to ease of accessibility 52 and ability to connect asynchronously in realworld settings. 53 In one case, a programme was provided through a mobile application that had an existing large number of users.…”

Factors influencing human papillomavirus school-based immunization in Alberta: A mixed-methods study protocol

“…Parents/guardians often have insufficient or inadequate information about the HPV vaccine [6,[9][10][11][12][13]; this issue can be exacerbated by language barriers, which may prevent full understanding of immunization program materials [9,20,22]. Some parents/guardians are apprehensive about the safety of the HPV vaccine [6,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. There is significant concern from parents/guardians regarding HPV's connection to sexual activity.…”