Background: The introduction of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine has allowed for incredible strides in the reduction in HPV-related cancers. Despite widespread availability and a recent age group expansion for the vaccine, uptake remains low. Particularly, concerning disparities exist in the state of Tennessee and among minority women. This study aimed to identify key influences of decision-making to receive the HPV vaccine in minority women living in Tennessee. Methods: This study used a prospective, observational, qualitative methods approach. Minority women residing in Tennessee were recruited through flyers posted in various community-based locations around the state. Narrative interviews of participants were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Interviewing occurred telephonically, with questions focused on participant perceptions of HPV and its vaccine. Verbatim transcripts were created via external software, and then inductively coded by three researchers. These codes were grouped into categories based on similarities, which facilitated the emergence of themes. Results: A total of 21 participants were interviewed between July and October 2024. Thematic analysis revealed two themes: (1) Awareness of HPV: Determining if the Vaccine is Right for Me; and (2) Intrinsic Motivators for HPV Vaccine adoption: “Like going to the salon and getting your hair half-done”. While some participants had an accurate understanding of HPV, its health consequences, and had received the vaccine, most were unvaccinated and had little understanding of the benefits of this preventative method. Those who received the HPV vaccination were influenced by proactive healthcare workers who provided in-depth education about its benefits. Those who did not elect to receive the vaccine described how its lack of mandate and seldom informational opportunities impacted their decision. Conclusions: Overall, minority women in Tennessee could benefit from improved access to information regarding HPV and its vaccine, as well as direct provider influence and counseling on receiving the vaccine to avoid detrimental health consequences.

Background: A strong body of research has established stigma as a barrier to care for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), which can lead to poorer patient outcomes. Prior qualitative research on healthcare practitioners’ perceptions is limited. This study aimed to describe healthcare professional students’ perceived roles in decreasing SUD stigma. Methods: A qualitative design using focus groups (FGs) was employed. This study applied the stigma conceptualization approach by Link and Phelan to develop the FG guide, including labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss, and discrimination. These components are linked to the construction of cognitive categories that lead to stereotyped beliefs. The FG participants were graduate-level healthcare students recruited via email from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). The research team analyzed the transcripts using Braun and Clarke’s approach to identify emergent themes in the data. Dedoose^® Version 9.0.107, a qualitative data analysis software platform, was utilized to facilitate data manipulation and retrieval during the analysis. Steps were taken to ensure the reliability of the qualitative data using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Results: Among thirty-one pharmacy and medical student participants, three themes emerged from the data: (1) student recognition of stigma, (2) the role of healthcare professionals in harm reduction, and (3) calls to enhance advocacy efforts to improve patient outcomes. These themes collectively encompass key members of the healthcare team’s perceptions and solutions to SUD stigma. Conclusions: This research reveals the importance of expanding training opportunities to go beyond the SUD disease state, to other evidence-based approaches such as effective advocacy, harm reduction, and stigma, which impact the delivery of that care.