Impact of HPV Education on Knowledge, Perception, and Cultural influence among African American Parents

Background: Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical and penial cancer can be prevented. An effective vaccine has been approved for both boys and girls since 2006. Despite recommendation from the Center of Disease Control, vaccination initiation and completion rates among African American adolescents in the United States are lower than average in the nation. Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to identify African-American parents’ knowledge and perceptions of sexually transmitted HPV infection and the HPV vaccination. The secondary objective was to use a single-group pre-test post-test research design to examine the effectiveness of an HPV education program developed for African-American parents on HPV knowledge, perceptions, cultural influence and comfort level in discussing HPV with health care providers. Methods: A descriptive, single-group pre-test post-test and HPV educational program research design was used. Pre-testing, post-testing and HPV educational program were administered face to face with a convenience sample of African American parents to assess their knowledge, perception and cultural influences toward HPV, the HPV vaccine and provider comfort. Paired t test and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results: A total of 102 African American parents participated in this study. This study found a statistically significant relationship between African American parents, cultural influence and lack of knowledge as a barrier to healthcare and the HPV vaccine using paired t-test analysis (p = 0.001). The cultural influence questionnaire had a mean of 14.76 (SD=1.68) indicating a strong correlation between the influence culture has with African Americans in making healthcare decisions for themselves and their children. The pre-and post-knowledge questionnaire had a mean of 4.29 (SD=2.59), the pre-and post-perception questionnaire had a mean of 2.63 (SD=1.81), indicating a positive trend in improved knowledge and perception towards the HPV vaccine after implementation of the developed HPV education program. The HPV education program had a mean of 4.78 (SD=.413) to the question that the HPV program gave motivation to parents to request the HPV vaccine for their child. These responses support a need for providers to consider the impact culture has on African American parents and the need to implement educational strategies to increase African American Parents regarding knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine in order to increase vaccination rates in this community. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Improving the knowledge of HPV infections in African American Parents can lead to improved health outcomes. Identifying educational and cultural barriers are key to improving educational interventions needed by healthcare providers in order to reach the African American parent population. Addressing noted barriers may improve the decision of African American parents to permit their children to receive and complete the much-needed HPV vaccination series

Impact of HPV Education on Knowledge, Perception, and Cultural influence among African American Parents

Abstract Background: Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical and penial cancer can be prevented. An effective vaccine has been approved for both boys and girls since 2006. Despite recommendation from the Center of Disease Control, vaccination initiation and completion rates among African American adolescents in the United States are lower than average in the nation. Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to identify African-American parents’ knowledge and perceptions of sexually transmitted HPV infection and the HPV vaccination. The secondary objective was to use a single-group pre-test post-test research design to examine the effectiveness of an HPV education program developed for African-American parents on HPV knowledge, perceptions, cultural influence and comfort level in discussing HPV with health care providers. Methods: A descriptive, single-group pre-test post-test and HPV educational program research design was used. Pre-testing, post-testing and HPV educational program were administered face to face with a convenience sample of African American parents to assess their knowledge, perception and cultural influences toward HPV, the HPV vaccine and provider comfort. Paired t test and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results: A total of 102 African American parents participated in this study. This study found a statistically significant relationship between African American parents, cultural influence and lack of knowledge as a barrier to healthcare and the HPV vaccine using paired t-test analysis (p = 0.001). The cultural influence questionnaire had a mean of 14.76 (SD=1.68) indicating a strong correlation between the influence culture has with African Americans in making healthcare decisions for themselves and their children. The pre-and post-knowledge questionnaire had a mean of 4.29 (SD=2.59), the pre-and post-perception questionnaire had a mean of 2.63 (SD=1.81), indicating a positive trend in improved knowledge and perception towards the HPV vaccine after implementation of the developed HPV education program. The HPV education program had a mean of 4.78 (SD=.413) to the question that the HPV program gave motivation to parents to request the HPV vaccine for their child. These responses support a need for providers to consider the impact culture has on African American parents and the need to implement educational strategies to increase African American Parents regarding knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine in order to increase vaccination rates in this community. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Improving the knowledge of HPV infections in African American Parents can lead to improved health outcomes. Identifying educational and cultural barriers are key to improving educational interventions needed by healthcare providers in order to reach the African American parent population. Addressing noted barriers may improve the decision of African American parents to permit their children to receive and complete the much-needed HPV vaccination series. Keywords: HPV, Vaccine, STI in adolescents, Papillomavirus vaccines, African Americans, Formative research, Cultural attitudes and beliefs

Examining effective communication in nursing practice during COVID-19: A large-scale qualitative study

AIM: The aim of this study was to conduct a primary examination of the qualitative communication experiences of nurses during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. BACKGROUND: Ambiguity in ever‐evolving knowledge on how to provide care during COVID‐19. Remaining safe has created a sense of urgency, which has in turn created the need for organizations to quickly alter their operational plans and protocols to support measures that increase capacity and establish a culture of safe care and clear communication. However, no known study has described communication in nursing practice during COVID‐19. METHODS: Utilizing qualitative descriptive methodology, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 100 nurse participants from May to September 2020 and recorded for thematic analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ), a 32‐item checklist, were used to ensure detailed and comprehensive reporting of this qualitative study protocol. FINDINGS: Study participants shared descriptions of how effective communication positively impacted patient care and nursing practice experiences during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The thematic network analyses identified the importance of effective communication across three levels: (1) organizational leadership, (2) unit leadership and (3) nurse‐to‐nurse communication. Within this structure, three organizing themes, essential to effective communication, were described including (a) presence, (b) education and (c) emotional support. CONCLUSION: Examining existing crisis communication policies and procedures across healthcare organizations is imperative to maintain highly relevant, innovative, and data‐driven policies and strategies that are fundamental to preserving quality patient care and supporting optimal nursing practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY AND HEALTH POLICY: Effective communication is critical to support nurses through extended periods of crisis. COVID‐19 represents a unique contemporary challenge to the nursing workforce given the high stress and prolonged strain it has created for both human and healthcare supply resources. There is value in nurses’ presence at local, unit level and organizational leadership levels to convey critical information that directly informs leadership decision‐making during unprecedented emergencies such as the COVID‐19 pandemic

Examining effective communication in nursing practice during COVID‐19: A large‐scale qualitative study

AIM: The aim of this study was to conduct a primary examination of the qualitative communication experiences of nurses during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. BACKGROUND: Ambiguity in ever‐evolving knowledge on how to provide care during COVID‐19. Remaining safe has created a sense of urgency, which has in turn created the need for organizations to quickly alter their operational plans and protocols to support measures that increase capacity and establish a culture of safe care and clear communication. However, no known study has described communication in nursing practice during COVID‐19. METHODS: Utilizing qualitative descriptive methodology, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 100 nurse participants from May to September 2020 and recorded for thematic analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ), a 32‐item checklist, were used to ensure detailed and comprehensive reporting of this qualitative study protocol. FINDINGS: Study participants shared descriptions of how effective communication positively impacted patient care and nursing practice experiences during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The thematic network analyses identified the importance of effective communication across three levels: (1) organizational leadership, (2) unit leadership and (3) nurse‐to‐nurse communication. Within this structure, three organizing themes, essential to effective communication, were described including (a) presence, (b) education and (c) emotional support. CONCLUSION: Examining existing crisis communication policies and procedures across healthcare organizations is imperative to maintain highly relevant, innovative, and data‐driven policies and strategies that are fundamental to preserving quality patient care and supporting optimal nursing practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY AND HEALTH POLICY: Effective communication is critical to support nurses through extended periods of crisis. COVID‐19 represents a unique contemporary challenge to the nursing workforce given the high stress and prolonged strain it has created for both human and healthcare supply resources. There is value in nurses’ presence at local, unit level and organizational leadership levels to convey critical information that directly informs leadership decision‐making during unprecedented emergencies such as the COVID‐19 pandemic

US Nurses’ Challenges with Personal Protective Equipment during COVID-19: Interview Findings from the Frontline Workforce

This study aimed to describe nurses’ experiences with personal protective equipment while providing patient care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. From May 2020 to September 2020, 100 individual interviews were conducted with nurses from diverse backgrounds and practice settings. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and verified for thematic analysis. Three key themes emerged related to personal protective equipment during COVID-19: (1) concerns with safety, (2) concerns with personal protective equipment supply, and (3) concerns with health care systems changing personal protective equipment policies. These findings support the importance of transparent and equitable institution-wide PPE standards in creating safe working environments. Clear communication around personal protective equipment policies and procedures, personal protective equipment education, and assurance of equitable access to equipment that can mitigate risk and disability while also reducing fear, confusion, and frustration among nurses. Maintaining clear and consistent personal protective equipment guidelines and communication regarding supplies and procedures enhances transparency during both routine and critical times de-escalating the inevitable strain concomitant with providing patient care during a global pandemic

US Nurses’ Challenges with Personal Protective Equipment during COVID-19: Interview Findings from the Frontline Workforce

This study aimed to describe nurses’ experiences with personal protective equipment while providing patient care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. From May 2020 to September 2020, 100 individual interviews were conducted with nurses from diverse backgrounds and practice settings. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and verified for thematic analysis. Three key themes emerged related to personal protective equipment during COVID-19: (1) concerns with safety, (2) concerns with personal protective equipment supply, and (3) concerns with health care systems changing personal protective equipment policies. These findings support the importance of transparent and equitable institution-wide PPE standards in creating safe working environments. Clear communication around personal protective equipment policies and procedures, personal protective equipment education, and assurance of equitable access to equipment that can mitigate risk and disability while also reducing fear, confusion, and frustration among nurses. Maintaining clear and consistent personal protective equipment guidelines and communication regarding supplies and procedures enhances transparency during both routine and critical times de-escalating the inevitable strain concomitant with providing patient care during a global pandemic