Using intervention mapping to develop training for US dental providers to recommend the HPV vaccine

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior Change
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Iowa exhibits the highest incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) in the United States.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of OPC.
• Low uptake of the HPV vaccine hinders its preventive potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an intervention using the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework to prepare dental providers to recommend the HPV vaccine.
• To address low HPV vaccine uptake by utilizing dental offices as a novel setting for vaccine recommendation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework for intervention development.
• Conducted a needs assessment involving surveys and interviews with dental hygienists and dentists.
• Applied behavior change theories and frameworks to design training methods and supporting materials.

Main Results:

• Dental providers expressed willingness to recommend the HPV vaccine but required specific training.
• Training methods focused on increasing self-efficacy among dental providers.
• Developed an "Educate, Recommend, Refer" intervention and an evaluation plan.

Conclusions:

• The IM framework facilitated the integration of theory, evidence, and stakeholder input for effective intervention design.
• The developed intervention addresses target audience needs and overcomes limitations of previous efforts.
• Presenting the intervention within the IM framework supports its replication and adoption by practitioners.