Grant: Catalyst Grant: HPV Screening & Vaccination in Underserved Populations

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is among the most common sexually transmitted infections, affecting as many as three-quarters of sexually active Canadians at some point in their lives. Numerous studies among newcomer populations (i.e., immigrants and refugees) indicate that uptake of HPV vaccination is sub-optimal among these groups. Across cultures and languages, newcomers frequently report barriers that prevent them from seeking HPV vaccination for themselves or their children. The primary goal of our proposed research is to inform solutions for improving HPV vaccination among newcomers to Canada by exploring newcomers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV vaccination. We will complete a systematic review of qualitative studies of HPV vaccination among newcomers and conduct a survey and interviews with newcomers to explore their attitudes about HPV vaccination programs. We will use this knowledge to inform the development of a digital education tool to improve newcomer understanding of HPV and HPV vaccination. This tool will meet the varied needs of newcomers to Canada and help to ameliorate inequities in HPV vaccine uptake and access.