Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2025
Document Type
Thesis (Campus Access)
Degree Type
MS
College
Reed College of Media
Department
Reed College of Media
Committee Chair
Julia Fraustino
Committee Co-Chair
Lisa Costello
Committee Member
Geah Pressgrove
Committee Member
Dainel Totzkay
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that produces high- and low-risk strains. Most low-risk strains can be asymptomatic and go away over time, but high-risk strains are some of the leading causes of cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers. Although the burden of HPV-associated cancers is an ongoing issue, HPV vaccination is one of the most effective tools in modern practice to prevent and mitigate effects of HPV infection. One of the most significant factors in increasing vaccination uptake among children, teens, and adults is receiving a vaccination recommendation from a healthcare provider (HCP). Therefore, an understanding of HCP perspectives and beliefs surrounding HPV vaccination is needed to inform communication and education strategies for recommending vaccination. To better understand rural West Virginia HCP perspectives specifically, this study used qualitative in-depth interview methods. Grounded in previous research and using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) as a theoretical lens, interviews probed rural West Virginia HCPs’ perspectives, beliefs, prior behaviors, and behavioral intentions surrounding HPV vaccination communication and policies. Seven rural West Virginia physicians participated this study. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts, notes, and jottings. Results add to the meaningful body of literature surrounding public relations, public interest healthcare, and risk communication, and add to the theoretical vigor of the RAA framework as a means for predicting and enhancing effective healthcare communication from trusted messengers (HCPs). Practical implications provide insights and guidance for rural West Virginia HCPs to hold effective conversations to build vaccination confidence in an ever-evolving public health environment.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Jenna Marie, "Understanding Rural West Virginia Primary Care Provider Perspectives on HPV Vaccination to Inform Communication" (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 13016.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/13016