Sexual behaviour, human papillomavirus and its vaccine: a qualitative study of adolescents and parents in Andalusia

Abstract

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and can be prevented by vaccination. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding, by analysing interview responses of adolescents and parents, of how adolescent sexual behaviour is approached in families, how widespread knowledge about HPV is in Andalusia, the autonomous region with the lowest vaccination rate in Spain, as well as to learn more about the interviewees’ position regarding vaccination. Methods A qualitative study by means of 15 focus groups of adolescents (N = 137, aged 14–17 years) and five focus groups of parents with children of those ages (N = 37) was conducted in the provinces of Granada, Seville and Jaén (Andalusia, Spain). The audio data were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed thematically using NVIVO-10 software. Results There were three major results: (1) There is a lack of communication between adolescents and parents regarding sexual behaviour; (2) In both groups, scarce knowledge about HPV and vaccination was found; (3) Parents mistrust vaccination due to a lack of qualified and verified information about its benefits. Conclusions Healthy adolescent sexual behaviour is aided by communication within the family. Families need more information based on the evidence about HPV and vaccination. Health professionals are a key element in this process.

Factors associated with knowledge and vaccination intention for human papillomavirus on trans girls by their main caregiver: A cross-sectional study

“…Although other studies revealed higher knowledge in vaccinated adolescents’ parents ( 32 ), we did not observe this effect, because almost all adolescent trans girls in our study were vaccinated without any specific motivation; they just followed the cis girl program. We observed that a previous history of HPV disease in the first-line family is associated with a higher knowledge score and higher intention of vaccination.…”

Investigation of Nursing Students' Opinions on HPV Infection and HPV Vaccine in Turkey: A Qualitative Study

“…The students stated that the education provided especially by health professionals can make a difference in raising awareness. This result, which is in line with many existing studies [23,28,39,40], differentiated at some points because of differing statements by the participants (students who want to receive this education from their families ID -14, 21 years versus students who do not want to receive it from their families ID-13, 19 years). The fact that another participant (ID-5, 19 years) requested education alongside with the families demonstrates that there can be different training models to raise awareness.…”

Views of the Pharmacists’ Role in HPV Vaccinations: A Qualitative Study in Tennessee

“…This included the public perception of the vaccine as an "STD vaccine" or that it promotes promiscuity. In particular, these perceptions were noted to be a barrier for participants receiving the vaccine within the pediatric vaccination age window and are well-known to be barriers to HPV vaccine uptake among other groups [30]. Of note, research has confirmed that receiving the HPV vaccine does not increase the likelihood of risky sexual behaviors or reduce the age of sexual debut [31,32].…”