Factors Associated with Intention to Vaccinate a Daughter against HPV: A Statewide Survey in Alabama

Abstract

Purpose-Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Adolescent and young adults aged 15-24 were estimated to account for three quarters of new infections in 2000. Two HPV vaccines are currently available. The vaccine is recommended for girls aged 11-12 years. Previous research has indicated that African-American and Asian-American parents are less likely to vaccinate their daughters than Caucasians. This investigation examines the relationship between demographic, medical, and behavioral risk factors for HPV vaccine acceptability among Alabama residents.Methods-The cross sectional survey was conducted using random digit dialing. Eligible participants were female caregivers of adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years. Factors related to intention to vaccinate a daughter within the next 6 months were examined using chi-square and logistic regression.Results-Caregivers who were informed about HPV vaccination from a health care provider were more likely to intend to vaccinate their daughter within the next 6 months compared to caregivers who did not report this source of information (OR=3.59 , 95% CI= 1.52, 8.45). Race, education, county of residence, child's age, religious attendance, knowledge and history of HPV, perceived susceptibility and severity of infection were not significantly related to intention to vaccinate against HPV.Conclusion-Caregivers who were informed of the vaccine by their health care provider were more likely to vaccinate their adolescent daughters. Provider attitudes and caregiver education is an essential link to improvement of HPV vaccination uptake in Alabama.

Sexual Activity–Related Outcomes After Human Papillomavirus Vaccination of 11- to 12-Year-Olds

“…This study provides a clinical validation and extends our understanding of numerous surveys reporting that most young women did not plan to modify their sexual behaviors after HPV vaccination. 15,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Although most previous surveys have been cross-sectional, a recent longitudinal survey conducted in the United Kingdom documented no difference in the proportion of women reporting initiation of sexual activity after HPV vaccination 30 ; however, that study was conducted in women aged 16 to 18, of whom 37% had already become sexually active. 30 In our analysis, HPV vaccination at ages 11 through 12 did not increase the likelihood of seeking medical attention for outcomes related to sexual activity with up to 3 years of follow-up.…”

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18] Most teenage girls surveyed on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to HPV vaccination reported they would not modify their sexual behaviors after HPV vaccination. 15,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Most of these studies were limited by the use of selfreported, cross-sectional surveys, 15,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] however, and it is unknown if these survey results would directly translate to clinical outcomes.…”

Emergency Medicine Physician Attitudes toward HPV vaccine uptake in an Emergency Department Setting

“…Physician recommendation is the most effective indicator of HPV vaccine uptake among young adult women, and this fact is well established. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] This study showed the potential of using the ED for initiating HPV vaccine uptake and series completion among young women who otherwise would not have health care access for this important preventive intervention.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Preventive care, specifically HPV vaccination, for females are traditionally driven by Pediatricians, Family Physicians, and Obstetricians/ Gynecologist (OB/GYN). 1 Professional organizations in these specialties consistently support HPV vaccine uptake; yet, vaccine recommendation rates vary by provider specialty.…”

Identifying and Overcoming Perceived Barriers of Providers towards HPV Vaccination: A Literature Review

“…Perceived barriers to vaccination can contribute to a lack of provider recommendation, missed opportunities for vaccination, and low rates of vaccination coverage among adolescents [14][15][16]. The barriers are categorized and discussed as follows: knowledge, vaccine safety, cultural, policy, cost, and structural barriers to vaccine [17,18].…”