An evaluation of Human Papillomavirus vaccination resources available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents and parents and caregivers in Australia

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the availability, understandability, actionability, readability and cultural relevance of HPV vaccination resources available online for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents and parents/caregivers. 

Methods: HPV vaccination resources were collected via Google and website searches. Resources were assessed for readability, understandability, actionability, and cultural relevance. Results: We found eight resources, most of which were easy to read, understandable and actionable. While several resources met some criteria for cultural relevance, many lacked reporting on consultation and leadership and did not have a specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contact for further support. Three of four reported up-to-date information about the HPV vaccine schedule. On balance, a short video performed best across all assessment items.

Conclusions: The evaluation highlights the need for HPV vaccination resources that are culturally safe, accurate, and easy for a consumer to understand and act upon. Practice implications: Further work is required to ensure that resources are developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, are sustainable and can be rapidly updated to align with evolving policies. This will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents and parents/caregivers to make informed decisions about HPV vaccination.