Daisy Le

Given the high HPV and cervical cancer rates and related disparities, this study assessed correlates of HPV-prevention behaviors among US adults. Using the 2022 online survey data from 880 US adults (M_age = 27.62; 66.0% female, 43.8% sexual minority, 8.7% Hispanic, 73.9% White, 4.5% Black, 11.9% Asian, 9.7% other race), multivariable regression analyses assessed sociodemographic and HPV knowledge in relation to HPV vaccination, willingness to vaccinate one’s child, and willingness to engage in HPV self-sampling (among individuals with a cervix). The most common reason for HPV vaccination (58.0%) was doctor recommendation (84.2%), while the main reason for not being vaccinated (42.0%) was the lack of doctor recommendation (51.6%). HPV vaccination was associated with being younger (aOR = 0.88, CI = 0.84–0.93), female (aOR = 2.70, CI = 1.92–3.85), bachelor’s (vs. < bachelor’s; aOR = 1.82, CI = 1.16–2.86) or > bachelor’s degree educated (aOR = 1.85, CI = 1.01–3.12), not having children (aOR = 0.44, CI = 0.27–0.72), and greater HPV knowledge (aOR = 1.20, CI = 1.10–1.30). Willingness to vaccinate one’s child was associated with identifying as a sexual minority (vs. heterosexual; B = 0.16, CI = 0.05–0.27), Asian race (vs. White; B = 0.20, CI = 0.04–0.36), not having children (B = − 0.23, CI = [− 0.38, − 0.08]), greater HPV knowledge (B = 0.06, CI = 0.03–0.08), and HPV vaccination (B = 0.39, CI = 0.28–0.50). Among participants with a cervix (n = 501), willingness to try HPV self-sampling was associated with identifying as another race (vs. White; B = 0.44, CI = 0.09–0.79), not having children (B = − 0.30, CI = [− 0.61, − 0.01]), greater HPV knowledge (B = 0.11, CI = 0.05–0.17), and fewer concerns about self-sampling (B = − 0.33, CI = [− 0.42, − 0.24]). Interventions involving healthcare providers and parental education are essential for promoting HPV prevention behaviors and reducing disparities.

Background: Essential to the global elimination of viral hepatitis are insights and guidelines on how to coordinate and sustain community health efforts during times of public health crises. A community-based participatory research-driven academic–community–government (ACG) partnership was formed to improve the hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and vaccination infrastructure for at-risk communities in the Washington–Baltimore metropolitan region. Objectives: We describe the challenges and innovative adjustments made by the partnership to provide continued prevention modalities to reduce HBV during the earlier phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted to assess program implementation facilitators and barriers. Results: Three thematic categories about the pandemic’s impact on the ACG partnership emerged: innovations in hepatitis screening, access and linkage to care, and collaborative leadership. Lessons learned included the need to identify gaps in care, foster a safe environment for patients and staff, and provide technical assistance to enhance health information technology and systems infrastructure. Conclusions: Despite COVID-19, partnership members remained agile and responsive to community needs. Sustaining an effective ACG partnership requires regular and transparent communication, as well as shared and equal decision-making opportunities.

Purpose Significant disparities exist in cancer detection, treatment, and outcomes for racial/ethnic minoritized groups in the US. The objective of this study was to explore racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare utilization, cancer care experiences, and beliefs about cancer in patients diagnosed with cancer among diverse racial/ethnic groups in the US. Methods Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey -Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (HINTS-SEER 2021) were analyzed for 1,108 cancer survivors. Bivariate analysis of the study variables with race/ethnicity were conducted with weighted analysis from STATA version 17. Sampling weights using svy was conducted. Results Racial/ethnic differences in healthcare utilization remained significant when controlling for the confounding factors. Asians and Hispanics were less likely to have a regular healthcare provider compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW) (aOR = 3.31, p = .003; aOR = 2.17, p = .014; respectively). Asians were less likely than NHW to have had healthcare provider visits in the past 12 months (aOR = 4.89, p = .011). There were no statistically significant differences between racial/ethnic groups in the cancer care experiences. Racial/ethnic differences in fatalistic beliefs about cancer were not significant in the final multivariate model; however, being older (β = -.41, p = .033), and having a higher education level (β = -1.23, p < .001), were associated with lower level of fatalistic beliefs about cancer. Conclusion The findings suggest tailored approaches to improve healthcare utilization rates among racial/ethnic minoritized groups and highlight the need for increased research and clinical practice efforts to address racial/ethnic disparities in the cancer care continuum.

Introduction: Despite high rates of young adult e-cigarette use, research informing cessation interventions for this population, including those unready to quit, is limited. Methods: We analyzed 2022 cross-sectional survey data (from a larger longitudinal study) among 172 US young adult,...

Introduction: There is limited evidence to inform e-cigarette quitting interventions. This mixed-methods study examined: 1) e-cigarette and other tobacco product perceptions and cessation-related factors; and 2) potential behavioral intervention strategies among young adults reporting exclusive...

Cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are critical for those immunocompromised due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Health education programs, including text messaging, can effectively improve knowledge of cervical cancer and recommended screening. This paper describes the data-driven development of a 4-week text-messaging intervention to improve HPV and cervical cancer knowledge among women living with HIV (WLH). This study reports data from surveys (n = 81; January 2020 to September 2021) and focus group discussions (FGDs, n = 39; April–June 2020) conducted among WLH in the DC area. While most WLH revealed that their usual sources of health information were through in-person group sessions, they pointed out that these were impractical options due to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. They noted that a text-messaging intervention was feasible and acceptable. FGD participants’ responses structured around the Protection Motivation Theory constructs informed the text-messaging library, covering topics such as (I) understanding of cervical cancer and HPV, (II) cervical cancer prevention and (III) HPV self-sampling. The utilization of low-cost and easily accessible health education interventions, such as mobile-based text messaging, can effectively increase knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer in populations that have been historically difficult to access and during times when health services are disrupted such as during a global pandemic or public health emergency.

Introduction: Automated text messaging programs show promise for e-cigarette cessation. Adding live text counseling could make them more engaging. We developed Quit the Vape (QTV), an automated e-cigarette cessation text messaging program, designed to be delivered as stand-alone or with...

Introduction: Changes in daily life related to COVID-19 have impacted e-cigarette use, particularly in young adults. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study explored young adults’ perceptions regarding how COVID-19 influenced their e-cigarette use. Methods: We analyzed Fall 2020 survey...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that currently infects nearly 80 million people in the United States (U.S.) and can lead to cancer. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and lastin...

Hepatitis B vaccination protects newborns from contracting the hepatitis B virus that may lead to chronic infection, liver failure, or death. Trends and racial differences in the administration of the hepatitis B (HepB) birth dose in 2018–2020 were examined in the targeted region. A retrospective analysis of electronic birth dose vaccination data of newborns in 2018–2020 was performed. Birth data from six birthing facilities and home delivery records were obtained from the DC Health Department Vital Statistics Division. This data represented 40,269 newborns and included the mother’s race and ethnicity, health insurance type, birthing facility, and administration of the HepB birth dose. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. In addition, subgroup analysis by health insurance type was also conducted with a significant interaction of race/ethnicity and health insurance type. A total of 34,509 (85.7%) received the HepB birth dose within 12 h or before discharge from the facility. The rates of birth dose vaccination have seen an increase over the 3-year period (83.7% in 2018, 85.8% in 2018, 87.7% in 2020, p < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed racial differences in HepB birth dose vaccination rates. Asian Americans had the highest rate of newborn vaccination consistently over the 3-year period. Conversely, African American infants were less likely to have the birth dose than non-Hispanic Whites (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71–0.83). Our research indicates that further studies are needed to explore HepB birth dose hesitancy among African Americans.