Researching and Respecting the Intricacies of Isolated Communities

Amy A Blumling, Tami L Thomas, Dionne P Stephens, Amy A Blumling, Tami L Thomas, Dionne P Stephens

Abstract

Purpose: Conducting research in a rural area can be challenging for nurses for a variety of different reasons. The task at hand can be especially difficult when it involves discussing a sensitive topic, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. This study was conducted to describe parental perceptions of the HPV vaccine in rural areas, while simultaneously describing a method for engaging in successful nursing research in rural areas.

Methods: A team of nurse researchers completed a planned process to first understand rural culture in southeastern Georgia, and then more specifically, the families living in these three separate counties. This process initially involved developing a connection and working relationship with key community leaders, such as school principals. Following this, researchers worked on establishing rapport and trust with local parents and research participants themselves. Qualitative methods were then used to collect focus group and interview data on parental views of HPV, HPV vaccination, and HPV-related cancers.

Findings: Results indicated that parents had little knowledge of the HPV vaccine in rural Georgia, including misconceptions that the vaccine is for females only. In addition, many parents continually voiced the concern that the HPV vaccine would promote promiscuity in their children.

Conclusions: Providing consistent, timely, and open communication with the community members was crucial throughout the entire research process. This focused approach with respect to total community, culture, and religious value is essential in conducting research. Future studies conducted in rural areas should focus on specific intervention points that improve Parental HPV knowledge.

Keywords: Cultural Competence; Educating Researchers; Parental Knowledge of HPV in Rural Georgia; Research Challenges in Isolated Communities.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Specific Counties of Research Focus

References

    1. America's health rankings: A call to action for individuals & their communities. 2008 Retrieved from .
    1. Brown DL, Hirschl TA. Household poverty in rural and metropolitan-core areas of the United States. Rural Sociology. 1995;60(1):44–66.
    1. Camphinha-Bacote J. The process of cultural competence in the delivery of healthcare services: A model of care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 2002;13(3):181–184. [ ]
    1. Cates JR, Brewer NT, Fazekas KI, Mitchell CE, Smith JS. Racial differences in HPV knowledge, HPV vaccine acceptability, and related beliefs among rural, southern women. Journal of Rural Health. 2009;25(1):93–97. [ ]
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet. 2012 Retrieved from .
    1. Crosby RA, Yarber WL, DiClemente RJ, Wingood GM, Meyerson B. HIV-associated histories, perceptions, and practices among low-income African American women: Does rural residence matter? American Journal of Public Health. 2002;92:655–659. [ ]
    1. Dempsey A, Cohn L, Dalton V, Ruffin M. Worsening disparities in HPV vaccine utilization among 19–26 year old women. Vaccine. 2011;29:528–534. [ ]
    1. Glaser BG, Strauss A. The Discovery of grounded theory. Chicago: Adline, Atherton; 1967.
    1. Gottvall Karin, Waldenström Ulla, Tingstig Charlotta, Grunewald Charlotta. In-hospital birth center with the same medical guidelines as standard care: A comparative study of obstetric interventions and outcomes. Birth. 2011;38(2):120–128. [ ]
    1. Hart GL, Larson EH, Lishner DM. Rural definitions for health policy and research. American Journal of Public Health. 2005;95:1149–1155. [ ]
    1. Hartley David. Rural health disparities, population health, and rural culture. American Journal of Public Health. 2004;94:1675–1678. [ ]
    1. Jain N, Euler GL, Shefer A, Lu P, Yankey D, Markowitz L. Human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccination initiation among women in the United States, National Immunization Survey - Adult 2007. Preventive Medicine. 2009;48:426–431. [ ]
    1. McLaughlin DK, Sach C. Poverty in female-headed households: Residential differences. Rural sociology (USA) 1988;53(3):287–306.
    1. New data show heavy impact of chlamydia on U.S. men and women, particularly young people. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2005 .
    1. Proctor BD, Dalaker J. Current population reports: Poverty in the United States: 2001. Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Reports, U.S. Government Printing Office; 2002. pp. 60–219.
    1. Rogers CC. Factors affecting high child poverty in the rural south. Rural America. 2001;15(4):50–58.
    1. Rogers CC, Dagata E. Child poverty in nonmetro areas in the 1990's. Rural America. 2000;15(1):28–37.
    1. Ryan-Nicholls KD, Racher FE. Investigating the health of rural communities toward framework development. Rural and Remote Health. 2004;4(1):224. [ ]
    1. Tickamyer AR, Duncan CM. Poverty and opportunity structure in rural America. Annual Review of Sociology. 1990;16(1):67–86.
    1. US Census Bureau. Small area income and poverty estimates. 2011 Retrieved from:
    1. Williams RA. Cultural diversity, health care disparities, and cultural competency in American medicine. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2007;15(Suppl 1):S52–S58.
    1. Winer RL, Hughes JP, Feng Q, O'Reilly S, Kiviat NB, Holmes KK, Koutsky LA. Condom use and the risk of genital Human Papillomavirus Infection in young women. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;354:2645–2654. [ ]
    1. Zimmerman CC, Whetten NL. Rural families on relief. US Government. Prining Office; 1938.

Source: PubMed

Sponsors et collaborateurs

Les conditions médicales

Interventions en matière de drogue

3
S'abonner