HPV Knowledge Among a Marginalized Population [Letter]

The original research article by Mills et al (1) provides important insight into the barriers for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among a marginalized population. Our group also examined obstacles to HPV vaccination among an underserved population – Latinas. This population is similar to the Appalachian population with respect to cervical cancer incidence, mortality, and HPV vaccination uptake. Incidence and death rates for Latinas are 50% to 70% higher than for non-Hispanic white women (2). There is also significant disparity in vaccine uptake between Latinas and non-Hispanic whites (3,4). Explanations for these findings include poor access to health care, lack of knowledge or health literacy, immigration status, and cultural beliefs (5,6).