"A Qualitative Analysis of Awareness and Perceptions of African Immigra" by Netsai Nancy Mariga Andere

Date of Conferral

2-1-2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Jennifer Oliphant

Abstract

Low Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance remains one of the most crucial disparities in the US by country of origin among children. The study aims to qualitatively explore the HPV and HPV vaccine awareness and perceptions among African immigrant men to help reduce the HPV-related cervical cancer burden among African immigrants living in the US. The health belief model (HBM) was used for this basic qualitative study of self-reported awareness and perception among African immigrant men in the US with responses from 11 individual interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data collected from the interview responses. Six themes emerged centered on lack of HPV awareness, knowledge of cancer risk, HPV vaccine attitudes, cultural impact, source of information, and role of fathers. Most participants had no HPV awareness and had a low perception of cancer risk, they shared how cultural practices can affect the decisions for HPV vaccine uptake and highlighted the importance of getting HPV awareness education as well as the role of fathers. Participants shared sources of information that can be instrumental in raising HPV and HPV vaccine awareness, including church gatherings, provider recommendations, or community events. Based on the identified themes, the findings of this study can bring a positive social change regarding fostering an environment that may increase HPV and HPV vaccine awareness, understanding communication methods between fathers and children, and creating avenues for trusted sources of information to disseminate HPV and HPV vaccine information effectively.

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