In this 30-month study, the investigators propose to develop a culturally appropriate vaccine confidence intervention, targeting positive change related to HPV vaccine uptake behavior and reducing sentiments of hesitancy towards a COVID-19 vaccine, that can be seamlessly integrated into the existing environment of pediatric and family practice clinics in rural Alabama. To do so, the investigators will first assess stakeholders' knowledge, sentiments, and beliefs related to vaccination in general, a COVID-19 vaccination, and the HPV vaccination. The investigators will also assess stakeholders' perceptions of barriers to vaccination that exist in rural Alabama. This will occur in Aim 1. Then, in Aim 2, the investigators will use these data to inform the development of a non-invasive, modular synchronous counseling intervention targeting 15-17 year old adolescents (rationale for this age range presented later in this proposal). After the intervention has been finalized, in our final aim, Aim 3, we will conduct a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized control trial to assess intervention acceptability and feasibility (N=4 clinics; N=120 adolescents), while also assessing for a "clinical signal" of effectiveness. To support dissemination and scale up, also during Aim 3, we will document implementation contexts to provide real-world insight. To do this, the investigators will conduct in-depth interviews with the same groups of stakeholders that we interviewed in Aim 1.
In this 30-month study, the investigators propose to develop a culturally appropriate vaccine
confidence intervention, targeting positive change related to HPV vaccine uptake behavior and
reducing sentiments of hesitancy towards a COVID-19 vaccine, that can be seamlessly
integrated into the existing environment of pediatric and family practice clinics in rural
Alabama. To do so, the investigators will first assess stakeholders' knowledge, sentiments,
and beliefs related to vaccination in general, a COVID-19 vaccination, and the HPV
vaccination. The investigators will also assess stakeholders' perceptions of barriers to
vaccination that exist in rural Alabama. This will occur in Aim 1. Then, in Aim 2, the
investigators will use these data to inform the development of a non-invasive, modular
synchronous counseling intervention targeting 15-17 year old adolescents (rationale for this
age range presented later in this proposal). After the intervention has been finalized, in
our final aim, Aim 3, we will conduct a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster
randomized control trial to assess intervention acceptability and feasibility (N=4 clinics;
N=120 adolescents), while also assessing for a "clinical signal" of effectiveness. To support
dissemination and scale up, also during Aim 3, we will document implementation contexts to
provide real-world insight. To do this, the investigators will conduct in-depth interviews
with the same groups of stakeholders that we interviewed in Aim 1.
Behavioral: Intervention, TBN
The intervention will target adolescents aged 15-17 years who have not received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. The intervention has yet to be named; this will occur through the conduct of Aim 1. Our intervention, when developed, will improve knowledge of HPV, COVID-19, the HPV vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine (Information), reduce stigma and distrust improving motivation (Motivation), leading to improved vaccine confidence and higher vaccination rates and lower vaccine hesitancy (Behavioral Skills). Each one of these three change objectives will be encapsulated in its own Zoom-based session with the near peer interventionist. We anticipate that each modular session will be no longer than seven minutes; thus, the entire three module intervention will be no longer than twenty-one minutes long.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 15-26 years
- Have not completed HPV vaccination schedule
- Located in a rural, non-urban setting
- Able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Doe not meet inclusion criteria
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Birmingham, Alabama, United States