Content analysis of digital media coverage of the human papillomavirus vaccine school-entry requirement policy in Puerto Rico

Abstract Background In August 2018, Puerto Rico (PR) became the 4th state or territory in United States to adopt a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine school-entry requirement, for students 11–12 years old. Evidence suggests that content of media coverage may impact people’s perception HPV and their willingness vaccinate. This study aimed analyze digital news related implementation policy PR. Methods A review was conducted published from January 2017 through December 2018. The reviewed carried out two steps: 1) creating matrix summarize each article’s about 2) qualitative analysis using grounded theory approach. Results search resulted 34 articles obtained 17 online local international outlets reported policy's implementation. Analyses showed 61% did not mention number required doses, 79% discussed new concerning cancer prevention. 2017, focused mostly on describing policy, while 2018 controversies surrounding Neutral emergent codes included: Description policy; Information cancers; 3) General information vaccine. Negative infringement patient parental autonomy; Hesitancy political sector, groups coalitions. Positive knowledge acceptance prevention; importance education protective sexual behaviors; vaccination law proposal. Conclusions Most PR neutral included limited vaccine, HPV, HPV-related cancers. negative themes could influence public concerns regarding as well rates