Abstract A128: National partnerships for HPV promotion: An evaluation using the Association of Immunization Managers annual survey

• Published in: Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention biomarkers & prevention, 2023-01, Vol.32 (1_Supplement), p.A128-A128
• Main Authors: Mercado-Andino, Alondra K., Toro-Garay, Yiana G., Díaz-Miranda, Olga L., Medina-Laabes, Diana T., Ortiz, Ana P., Wells, Katelyn, Suárez, Erick, Colón-López, Vivian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1538-7755; 1538-7755
• DOI: 10.1158/1538-7755.DISP22-A128

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States of America (USA). Strategies from immunization programs aimed to promote HPV vaccine uptake through different alliances, including health community-based organizations and coalitions have been implemented nationally. Despite these efforts, vaccination rates remain under 80%. Understanding the extent of these partnerships and the geographic differences in the number of collaborations will aid in identify successful alliances at the national level for the promotion of HPV vaccine. Objective: This study aims to describe the frequency and the degree of partnerships for the promotion of the HPV vaccine. Methods: Immunization Program Managers (IPMs) in the USA were surveyed from August 2021 to February 2022 as part of the Implementation of School-Entry Policies for Papilloma Virus Vaccination (HPV-PIVac) study. A survey gathered information from IPMs on established partnerships and their extent of collaborations at two different levels. Of 22 partners, IPMs reported which groups or organizations had partnerships for HPV vaccine promotion occurred within the past year. Then, from each of the partnerships reported, IPMs categorized their collaboration strength by rank (networking, cooperating, coordinating, and/or collaborating). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to assess the patterns in the number of collaborations and their strength. The results were geographically mapped among the participant states and territories that completed the survey. To assess the relationship between the number of collaborations and the strength of collaborations, the Pearson correlation coefficient was estimated. Afterward, a linear regression model was used to compare the magnitude of association between the number of collaborations and the strength of those collaborations. Results: A total of 49 IPMs from 32 different states and territories participated, resulting in a 54.2% participation rate. The most common partnerships reported were with local health departments (80.0%), community health centers (78.0%), American Cancer Society (74.0%), and immunization coalitions (74.0%). The relationship between number of collaborations and strength of collaborations resulted in a positive and strong linear relationship (r = 0.91; p