Community-Identified Barriers and Strategies for Improving HPV Vaccination in South Texas.

Abstract

Bexar County is a South Texas county with low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, which hinders efforts to prevent HPV-related cancers. We conducted a community assessment from the perspective of community members who administer social/health services and/or coalitions in Bexar County. We aimed to assess perceived barriers and possible community solutions to HPV vaccination in Bexar County. Data were collected using an online quantitative survey measuring knowledge and attitudes toward HPV vaccination based on the Increasing Vaccination Model, as well as perceived barriers to HPV vaccination and potential solutions to improve vaccination. Participants included persons administering social/health services/part of coalitions in Bexar County from January to March 2025 (N = 45). Descriptive statistics were estimated. Most participants strongly agreed that HPV vaccination rates could be improved and that it was very important for 9- to 26-year-olds to get vaccinated for HPV. Primary barriers at the organizational level were competing health priorities, lack of provider knowledge/training, language barriers, and patient lack of awareness. Participants were asked to consider what community-level strategies could be deployed to increase HPV vaccination; the highest rated were mobile vaccination, public awareness campaigns, and financing for the vaccine. There is a strong community interest in improving HPV vaccination in Bexar County. Developing a multi-component intervention that addresses direct access issues, coupled with provider recommendations, could surmount the reported barriers to HPV vaccination in this community.