Abstract

PurposeThe Internet is an increasingly common source of health-related information. We sought to examine associations between parents’ Internet information-seeking and their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. MethodsWe interviewed parents within a year after approval of HPV vaccine for females and males. Participants were North Carolina parents with daughters ages 10–18 surveyed by telephone in Fall 2007 (n=773); and a national sample of parents with sons ages 11–17 surveyed online in Fall 2010 (n=115). We used multivariate regression to examine associations of past and intended Internet seeking for HPV vaccine information with knowledge and health belief model-related constructs. ResultsAmong parents of daughters, having heard of HPV vaccine through the Internet (8%) was associated with higher HPV knowledge, perceived likelihood of HPV, and vaccination willingness, and with receiving a doctor's recommendation. It was also associated with lower perceived vaccine harms, uncertainty, and anticipated regret. Parents of sons who heard of HPV vaccine through the Internet (10%) perceived greater barriers to vaccination than parents who learned about HPV vaccine for males through other sources. Intended future Internet information-seeking among parents of daughters (69%) was more likely if they perceived a lower likelihood that their daughters would get HPV if they were vaccinated (all p<.05). ConclusionsOur findings suggest a positive influence of accessing information on the Internet about HPV vaccine. It was associated with higher knowledge and mostly positive parental attitudes and beliefs.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call