Human papillomavirus: A qualitative study of Korean American female college students’ attitudes toward vaccination

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have the potential to reduce Korean American women’s high burden of cervical cancer, but information is limited about their awareness of HPV and its vaccine. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore Korean American female college students’ awareness of and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was used. Five focus group interviews were conducted with 20 Korean American female college students aged 18–26 years from Massachusetts. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: Major themes were awareness, misunderstandings, attitudes, social influences, and cultural influence. A critical need exists to develop and implement culturally and linguistically appropriate HPV prevention education programs to promote HPV vaccination in this population.