Using psychometric and focus groups methods to assess patients' attitudes regarding the role of dental providers and vaccinations for COVID-19 and HPV.

Objectives: To develop a initial validated survey for assessment of patient perceptions around dental provider role in HPV and COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: Using a parallel convergent mixed methods design, this study reports the initial validation of a survey through the integration of psychometric and focus group methods and presents findings of patient perceptions of dentist involvement in vaccine efforts through a focus group in Philadelphia, PA. Results: A previously tested pilot survey was modified based on the integrated results. The final survey was organized according to factor analysis and reflected the focus group recommendations. The changes reduced the survey by 25% from 22 to 16 questions. Two overarching themes to better understand perceptions of dentist involvement in vaccine efforts identified from the focus group were: 1. attitudes related to appropriateness and acceptability of dental providers educating and administering vaccinations; and 2. how lack of knowledge hindered intentions to seek vaccination from dental providers. Conclusion: The combination of the psychometric and focus group analyses resulted in a final survey to assess patient's attitudes and acceptance of HPV and COVID-19 vaccination, including vaccination status, knowledge about the impacts of HPV and COVID-19, perceptions of dental care providers' role, and comfort in having a dental provider administer HPV and COVID-19 vaccines. Practice and policy implications: This initial validity process of the survey from creates an opportunity to assess patient acceptance of dentist roles in vaccine efforts around HPV and COVID-19. Further validation of the final form is pending.