Environmental factors affecting mothers’ decision-making about the HPV vaccination for their daughters

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate environmental factors influencing mothers’ decision-making regarding vaccination of the human papillomavirus (HPV) for their daughters. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, with data collected using online surveys from July to September 2018. Participants were 230 mothers of second-year female middle-school students in South Korea. The proportional stratification sampling method was used to reflect the difference in medical level between regions. Independent variables consisted of individual (demographic characteristics, HPV-related characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and subjective norms) and environmental factors (the influence of healthcare providers, school, and community environments) were examined. The potential factors influencing vaccination uptake were determined using hierarchical logistic regression. Results The factors influencing mothers’ decision-making about the HPV vaccine for their daughters were their attitude toward HPV vaccination (OR = 0.78 p < .001), whether a healthcare provider provided HPV-vaccine-related information (OR = 2.42, p = .030), and presenting positive-framed information (OR = 4.21, p = .020). Conclusions To increase HPV vaccination among the target population, it is necessary to consider environmental factors identified in this study. Healthcare providers should provide accurate information regarding the vaccination. Information emphasizing the vaccination’s benefits is particularly important.