Abstract
PurposeThe quadrivalent HPV vaccination was approved for use in males ages 9 to 26 in 2009 and recommended for routine administration in 2011. The purpose of this study was to uncover predictable commonalities amongst parents who chose to vaccinate their 11–17 year old sons against HPV.MethodsWe compiled data from a U.S. national sample of 779 parents with sons 11–17 years old using a web-based survey to gather information about behavioral and sociodemographic factors which predicted receipt of 1 or more HPV vaccine doses based on parental report. Predictors were first modeled individually for univariable associations. Significant predictors (p<0.10) were combined in a multivariable model.ResultsIn the adjusted model, independent predictors included receipt of flu vaccination, health insurance coverage and sexual health topic discussions with sons. Sons who had received a flu shot in the last two years more frequently received at least one dose of the vaccine (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.45–2.26). Sons covered by private health insurance had decreased odds of HPV vaccination (OR 0.56 95% CI 0.37–0.83). Lastly, parents who had discussed sexual health topics with their sons were more likely to vaccinate (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.37–1.89).ConclusionsMale vaccination rates in the U.S. have increased, but males continue to be under-immunized. Utilization of health care is an important factor in HPV vaccine uptake; therefore, health care providers should use every contact as an opportunity to vaccinate. Communication about sexual health topics may provide a forum for parents and health care providers to have conversations about HPV vaccination as those more comfortable discussing these topics may also be more comfortable discussing HPV vaccination.
Highlights
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. [1] There are known causal associations between HPV and genital and anal cancers as well as genital warts and cancers of the head and neck. [2] The quadrivalent HPV vaccination protects against the most common HPV strains that cause HPV-related diseases: 6, 11, 16, and 18
The adolescent male vaccination rate reported by this national sample of parents in 2012 was comparable to the 2012 NIS-TEEN data for males and females ages 13 to 17
Hispanic ethnicity of the parent, as well as health care provider visit in the prior year by the son, number of flu shots received by the son, son’s health insurance status, and frequency of discussion about sexual health were all associated with HPV vaccine initiation
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. [1] There are known causal associations between HPV and genital and anal cancers as well as genital warts and cancers of the head and neck. [2] The quadrivalent HPV vaccination protects against the most common HPV strains that cause HPV-related diseases: 6, 11, 16, and 18. [2] The quadrivalent HPV vaccination protects against the most common HPV strains that cause HPV-related diseases: 6, 11, 16, and 18. It was approved for use in females in 2006 and, in 2009, it was approved for use in males ages 9 to 26. The recommendation for routine administration in males came in 2011. The most recent U.S National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-TEEN) data on adolescent vaccination indicates that 53.8% of females and 20.8% of males received at least one dose of HPV vaccine. The approval for use and consistent recommendations for HPV vaccination in males followed those for females, most research to date has concentrated on females. This research has focused largely on predictors of acceptability (i.e. attitudes surrounding vaccination and/or intention to vaccinate) and uptake (i.e. the actual act of getting the vaccine) [6] whereas most existing research regarding vaccination among males has focused solely on vaccine acceptability, largely because the recommendation to routinely vaccinate males is relatively recent
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
