Digital technologies are being increasingly utilized in healthcare to provide pertinent and timely information for primary prevention, such as vaccination. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to describe and assess current digital health interventions to promote HPV vaccination among adolescents and parents of adolescents, and to recommend directions for future interventions of this kind. Using appropriate medical subject headings and keywords, we searched multiple databases to identify relevant studies published in English between 1 January 2017 and 31 July 2022. We screened and selected eligible studies for inclusion in the final analysis. We reviewed a total of 24 studies, which included interventions using text messages (4), mobile apps (4), social media and websites (8), digital games (4), and videos (4). The interventions generally improved determinants of HPV vaccination, such as HPV-related knowledge, vaccine-related conversations, and vaccination intentions. In particular, text message and social media interventions targeted improved vaccine uptake behaviors, but little meaningful change was observed. In conclusion, digital health interventions can cost-effectively provide education about HPV vaccination, offer interactive environments to alleviate parental vaccine hesitancy, and ultimately help adolescents engage in HPV vaccine uptake.

Background: Although it is well documented that adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have low participation in cancer clinical trials (CCTs), the underlying reasons are not well understood. We used the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) network to identify barriers and facilitators to AYA CCT enrollment, and strategies to improve enrollment at community-based and minority and/or underserved sites. Methods: We performed one-on-one semistructured qualitative interviews with stakeholders (NCORP site principle investigators, NCORP administrators, physicians involved in enrollment, lead clinical research associates or clinical research nurses, nurse navigators, regulatory research associates, patient advocates) in the AYA CCT enrollment process. NCORP sites that included high and low AYA–enrolling affiliate sites and were diverse in geography and department representation (eg, pediatrics, medical oncology) were invited to participate. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Themes related to barriers and facilitators and strategies to improve enrollment were identified. Results: We conducted 43 interviews across 10 NCORP sites. Eleven barriers and 13 facilitators to AYA enrollment were identified. Main barriers included perceived limited trial availability and eligibility, physician gatekeeping, lack of provider and research staff time, and financial constraints. Main facilitators and strategies to improve AYA enrollment included having a patient screening process, physician endorsement of trials, an “AYA champion” on site, and strong communication between medical and pediatric oncology. Conclusions: Stakeholders identified several opportunities to address barriers contributing to low AYA CCT enrollment at community-based and minority and/or underserved sites. Results of this study will inform development and implementation of targeted interventions to increase AYA CCT enrollment.

Poly-tobacco use is defined as cigarette and other tobacco consumption with either product used daily or nondaily. While concurrent use of different types of tobacco has been documented within the general population, less is known about poly-tobacco use among HIV-positive smokers and its impact on smoking cessation efforts. To characterize the profile of poly-tobacco users (PTU) in a sample of HIV-positive smokers participating in a cessation program. The study sample consisted of 474 HIV-positive smokers enrolled in a 2-group randomized controlled trial of cigarette smoking cessation comparing a cell phone-based intervention to usual care. Prevalence was determined, and risk factors for poly-tobacco use were evaluated using logistic regression. In this cohort of HIV-positive cigarette smokers, 21.6% of participants were PTU, with cigars (73.4%) the most common tobacco product consumed. Among PTU, 73.5% used other form(s) of tobacco some days, and 26.5% use them every day. Perceived discrimination and unemployment were significantly associated with poly-tobacco use after adjusting for other demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors. Analysis showed that participants in the cell phone group (vs. usual care) were more likely to report 24-hr abstinence, both among monocigarette users (16.6% vs. 6.3%, p < .001) and PTU (18.5% vs. 0%, p < .001). Poly-tobacco use prevalence among adult HIV-positive smokers was considerably higher than in the general population. Special attention must be placed on concurrent use of cigarettes and cigars among HIV-positive smokers. Because PTU are a unique population less likely to succeed in brief smoking cessation interventions, effective cessation programs are needed.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is of paramount importance to reduce HPV-associated cancers in both genders. In South Korea, the prophylactic vaccine is recognized as prevention of cervical cancer with little attention given to male HPV vaccination. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of male HPV vaccination and underlying factors for vaccine hesitancy among mothers of unvaccinated boys in Seoul, Korea using a qualitative method. We used a purposive sampling strategy to recruit mothers of unvaccinated middle school-aged boys living in one of the 25 districts in Seoul, supplemented by a snowball sampling approach. We conducted one-on-one telephone interviews with ten mothers using a semi-structured interview guide. Questions probed mothers’ views on vaccinating boys against HPV and the reasons for not vaccinating their sons. We found that mothers were hesitant to vaccinate their sons against HPV due to high out-of-pocket costs, fear of side effects concerning the young age of their sons, and low awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine, all of which stemmed from the exclusion of male HPV vaccination in the national immunization program. Sociocultural factors, including vaccination norms, lack of HPV education, and values associated with sexually transmitted infections were also likely to negatively impact mothers’ vaccination decision-making. Despite the barriers, mothers were willing to accept HPV vaccination when it was framed as cancer prevention for not only the sons but also their future spouses. In conclusion, reasons for Korean mothers’ hesitancy for their sons’ HPV vaccine uptake were multifaceted. Healthcare providers’ role in emphasizing and conveying the importance of gender-neutral HPV vaccination will be essential to alleviate negative sentiments around the vaccine for boys and reduce their risk of compromised sexual health. As an effective public health strategy, tailored cancer prevention messages should be delivered heightening significant benefits of the HPV vaccine beyond the prevention of cervical cancer.

Over the last quarter century many new cyberspace platforms have emerged that facilitate communication across time, geographical distance and now even language. Whereas brick-and-mortar communities are defined by geographically local characteristics, a virtual community is an online community of individuals who socialize and connect around a common interest or theme using the Internet. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a public health approach that requires equitable partnerships between community members and researchers. Virtual communities abound on the Internet today, yet their application to CBPR is rarely considered. We examine three case studies to explore the advantages and challenges of virtual communities for CBPR, as well as several of the online tools CBPR practitioners can use to facilitate virtual community participation. There is a potential utility of virtual communities in supporting CBPR efforts as they reduce the effects of geographical barriers, maximize the growth potential of the community, and provide portable and affordable channels for real-time communication. Some caveats indicated in our case studies are: technological challenges, difficulty in crediting members’ contributions and determining ownership of content, no face-to-face interaction may hinder relationship formation, cohesion, and trust resulting in lower engagement. The paper concludes with recommendations for the use of virtual communities in CBPR projects, such as in the coordination of statewide health care policy initiatives and in the dissemination of best public health practices.

Background and Objectives: To assess tobacco use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals from the 2014 Houston Pride Parade and Festival in Houston, Texas (TX).Methods: Cross‐sectional study using convenience sample of LGBT individuals (n = 99) examining tobacco use, sexual orientation, and other socio‐demographic factors through survey participation.Results: Findings showed a high prevalence of tobacco and electronic cigarettes use. White LGBT individuals had greater odds of using any type of tobacco product.Discussion and Conclusions: Despite a high smoking prevalence among the surveyed LGBT individuals, this study sample did not identify tobacco use as a health issue.Scientific Significance: Supports the need for further investigation on tobacco‐related disparities among LGBT individuals in Houston, TX. (Am J Addict 2015;24:391 –395)