Understanding How Adolescents Think about the HPV Vaccine.

Robyn A Pennella,Heather M Brandt,Katherine A Ayers

doi:10.3390/vaccines8040693

Robyn A Pennella, Heather M Brandt + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8040693

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Journal: Vaccines	Publication Date: Nov 18, 2020
Citations: 8	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Abstract

Despite educational efforts, Tennessee human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are 43%, among the lowest in the United States. This study examined how adolescents think about the HPV vaccine to identify patterns and misconceptions to enhance educational efforts. Adolescents (ages 11–12) (N = 168) responded to open-ended questions regarding their thinking about the HPV vaccine. Data were analyzed and interpreted using qualitative thematic analysis. Three domains of themes emerged from responses: (1) characteristics of HPV vaccination, (2) knowledge-related themes, and (3) beliefs-related themes. Prevention of HPV and cancer was the most referenced characteristic of HPV vaccination followed by HPV vaccine rates and HPV vaccine efficacy. Student inquiries were mostly centered on HPV vaccine composition, administration, duration and how the vaccine interacts with the body. Some responses indicated a desire for more information about HPV not specific to the HPV vaccine. Overall, adolescent attitudes were positive towards the HPV vaccine. This study highlights specific questions adolescents have about the vaccine that can be used to tailor future HPV educational efforts, empowering adolescents with the knowledge to be more active students in the decision-making process. In addition, the potential for adolescents to serve as community advocates for the vaccine should be considered for future interventions.

Highlights

Each year in the United States (U.S.), 34,800 women and men are estimated to be diagnosed with a cancer attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection [1]
The findings suggest adolescents may be motivated by educational efforts that facilitate deep thinking around the population implications of the HPV vaccine and the repercussions that choosing to vaccinate or not to vaccinate might have on their community
Vaccination and express a desire for more knowledge on a variety of topics related to the vaccine, including vaccine composition, the body’s response to the vaccine, and immunization duration

Summary

Introduction

Each year in the United States (U.S.), 34,800 women and men are estimated to be diagnosed with a cancer attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection [1]. HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of these cancers [1]. Uptake of HPV vaccination in the U.S has been slow. Based on the most recent data, 54% of adolescents age 13–17 have completed the HPV vaccine series with completion rates in Tennessee being much lower at 43%, among the lowest in the country [2,3,4]. General recommendations are that children receive the vaccination at 11–12 years of age and as early as age 9 [5,6,7,8]. There is an urgent need for effective interventions to increase uptake of HPV vaccination to Healthy People 2020 levels of 80% and prevent HPV-associated cancers [9,10]

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Discussion

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