Low Knowledge of the Three-Dose HPV Vaccine Series among Mothers of Rural Hispanic Adolescents

Abstract

Few previous investigations on correlates of HPV vaccine uptake have included Hispanics, a group known to have a disproportionately high risk of cervical cancer. Rural Hispanic mothers of daughters aged 9-17 (n=78) were recruited at local community events to participate in a standardized Spanish-language survey that examined factors related to vaccine uptake. Approximately 35% of the mothers reported that their daughter had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Mothers who had heard of the HPV vaccine were more likely to have a vaccinated daughter (p<.01). Mothers who thought their daughter's father would approve were more likely to have a vaccinated daughter (p=.004). Contrary to expectation, parents who believed that only one injection is necessary were more likely to have a vaccinated daughter (p=.009). HPV vaccine education programs that target both parents are needed to ensure that Hispanic parents receive the complete HPV vaccine regimen.