Table 1.

Comparing threat and efficacy content of Appalachia and non‐Appalachia newspapers

	% Appalachia (n = 42)	% Non‐Appalachia (n = 79)	% Total (N = 121)
Severity of HPV/cervical cancer
Cervical cancer mortality rates – World	0	30	20***
Cervical cancer mortality rates – US	2	47	31***
Cervical cancer mortality rates – Ohio	0	0	0
Cervical cancer mortality rates – Appalachia	0	0	0
HPV causes cervical cancer	21	75	56
Susceptibility to HPV/cervical cancer
Cervical cancer incidence rates – World	0	15	10**
Cervical cancer incidence rates – US	2	23	16**
Cervical cancer incidence rates – Ohio	0	0	0
Cervical cancer incidence rates – Appalachia	0	0	0
HPV is a STI	17	65	48***
Risk factors for HPV/cervical cancer	12	25	21
Response efficacy of HPV vaccine
Prevents cervical cancer	17	80	58***
Does not protect against all cervical cancer	14	56	41***
Need for continued Pap screening	5	22	16*
Prevents genital warts	12	48	36***
Vaccine approved for use with females	17	70	51***
Vaccine approved for 9–26 year olds	14	61	45***
Vaccine most effective prior to sexual activity	10	46	33***
Information about vaccine side‐effects	7	5	6
Alternatives to vaccine	2	17	12*
Self‐efficacy for obtaining the HPV vaccine
Cost of the vaccine	2	39	26***
Vaccine includes 3 injections	12	37	28**
Financial assistance for un‐ and underinsured	2	22	15**
Where to obtain the vaccine locally	2	10	7
Sources of additional information	12	11	11

*P < 0.05; **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001.