Stories to Prevent Cancer: A Pilot Study Using Cancer Survivor Narratives to Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Intentions

Abstract

Introduction Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are lower than other recommended adolescent vaccines. Cancer survivor narratives are used to promote cancer prevention and control, but little is known about their impact on adolescent HPV vaccination. Objective This pilot study explored the feasibility and effects of a video education intervention using a cancer survivor narrative to improve parents’ attitudes toward and intentions to get the HPV vaccine. Methods This study utilized a one-group design; participants completed a pre-intervention survey, watched the video before attending their sons’ wellness visits, and completed a post-intervention survey within one week of their appointment. Using the narrative persuasion framework, we developed a 4-minute video of a local HPV-related cancer survivor to promote the HPV vaccine as cancer prevention. We recruited 37 participants between June and October 2020. Participants were parents of males ages 9-17 who had not yet initiated HPV vaccination. Results After the video, more parents agreed that HPV vaccination is safe (pre: 66% vs. post: 82%; P = .045) and that their child’s chances of getting HPV-related cancer in the future are high (pre: 24% vs. post: 46%; P = .014). Overall, 91% of parents felt the cancer survivor story helped them understand the risks of HPV cancers, and 52% said the story influenced their decision to start HPV vaccination for their child. Conclusions Our findings suggest that cancer survivor narratives influence parents’ vaccine opinions and understanding of their child’s risk of HPV infection, leading to increased parental intent to get the HPV vaccine for their adolescent males.