Parents Of Adolescent Girls Research Articles

Perception and acceptability towards HPV vaccination among mothers of adolescent girls employed in health care sector-a cross sectional study

BackgroundRaising awareness among parents of adolescent girls and addressing misconceptions is crucial to overcoming HPV vaccine hesitancy and ensuring the success of vaccination programs, ultimately reducing the burden of cervical cancer. ObjectiveTo assess perceptions of HPV infection and identify factors influencing the acceptability of the HPV vaccine among female healthcare staff with at least one adolescent daughter. MethodsFemale healthcare staff with at least one unmarried adolescent daughter were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. Participants without prior knowledge were provided information before questions on vaccine willingness were asked. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, with categorical variables presented as proportions and Chi-square tests applied at a 5 % significance level. ResultsA total of 102 female staff members were interviewed. While 76 % had heard of cervical cancer, only 32.4 % were aware of HPV infection, and 14.7 % knew about its transmission. Awareness of HPV vaccination was primarily through healthcare providers, with only 36.2 % knowing of its availability. Factors such as age, education, occupation, and socioeconomic status significantly influenced perceptions of HPV infection and awareness of cervical cancer. Willingness for vaccination was strongly associated with occupation and socioeconomic status. ConclusionDespite gaps in understanding HPV and its connection to cervical cancer, there is high willingness to accept the vaccine. Enhancing mass awareness, especially among parents of adolescents through media and healthcare providers, is vital. Efforts should focus on integrating the HPV vaccine into Universal Immunization Programs, particularly within school health services.

Are HPV Vaccines Well Accepted among Parents of Adolescent Girls in China? Trends, Obstacles, and Practical Implications for Further Interventions: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study.

In 2020, the WHO proposed the global strategic goal of accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer (CC). One of the key strategies is that, by 2030, 90% of girls will complete HPV vaccination by age 15. In 2017, HPV vaccines were first marketed in China. This study aimed to explore the changes in parents' knowledge about CC, HPV, HPV vaccines, and acceptance of HPV vaccination 5 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines into China. Associated factors and reasons for refusal by parents were also explored. A school-based follow-up study was conducted among parents in China from May 2018 to May 2023. Comparison using Chi-square tests was performed to measure the changes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore factors associated with HPV vaccination among teenage girls. The overall cognitive level in terms of CC- and HPV-related knowledge among parents increased, and they expressed more willingness to vaccinate their daughter (35.4% in 2018 vs. 56.6% in 2023). The HPV vaccination rate among teenage girls remained at a low level (4.4% in 2018, 9.8% in 2023). The main obstacles reported by parents were limited knowledge (42.0%), scarcity of the HPV vaccine (29.2%), waiting until their daughter was older (27.5%), safety concerns (14.7%), high cost (9.0%), and effectiveness concerns (4.6%). Parents who are elderly, local residents, have received HPV vaccines themselves, have had experience of vaccinating their children with influenza vaccines, and have a higher knowledge level of CC, HPV and HPV vaccines are more likely to vaccinate their children with HPV vaccines. Although we observed an increment in parents' knowledge level in terms of CC, HPV, HPV vaccines, and HPV vaccine uptake over the past 5 years, the HPV vaccine coverage among girls still falls short of the WHO's 2030 target. Comprehensive intervention strategies, including tailored health education among adolescents and their parents, doctor recommendations, and providing financial subsidies or free HPV vaccines are needed in China.

Participation in physical activity and sport in adolescent girls from Middle Eastern backgrounds

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigated the barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport participation among adolescent girls from Middle Eastern backgrounds. These factors were explored through the perspectives of both adolescent girls and parents of adolescent girls, living in Australia. Design A qualitative study design was used to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport in adolescent girls. Participants were 18 adolescent girls and 9 parents of adolescent girls, all of Middle Eastern backgrounds, living in Western Sydney, Australia. Data were collected through five focus groups and four one-on-one interviews, separated for girls and parents. Data were analysed using an inductive approach and thematic analysis. Results Three main themes (family, social support, religion and culture) and nine subthemes were identified. The main facilitators for physical activity and sport included the values and presence of an active family role model, religion to encourage lifelong physical activity skills, and promotion of physical activity from peers, school, and social media. The predominant barriers to physical activity and sport included established cultural norms and traditional gender roles, which were often influenced by religion and culture, and extended time using technology. Conclusion The findings of the current study show the complex relationships between family, religion, and culture when promoting physical and sport participation. Such factors highlight the need to develop culturally tailored physical activity interventions that consider the perceived barriers and facilitators for adolescent girls' participation from Middle Eastern backgrounds.

A Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize User Engagement With a Chatbot-Led Parenting Intervention: Protocol for the ParentText Optimisation Trial.

Violence against children (VAC) is a serious public health concern with long-lasting adverse effects. Evidence-based parenting programs are one effective means to prevent VAC; however, these interventions are not scalable in their typical in-person group format, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the need is greatest. While digital delivery, including via chatbots, offers a scalable and cost-effective means to scale up parenting programs within these settings, it is crucial to understand the key pillars of user engagement to ensure their effective implementation. This study aims to investigate the most effective and cost-effective combination of external components to optimize user engagement with ParentText, an open-source chatbot-led parenting intervention to prevent VAC in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This study will use a mixed methods design incorporating a 2 × 2 factorial cluster-randomized controlled trial and qualitative interviews. Parents of adolescent girls (32 clusters, 120 participants [60 parents and 60 girls aged 10 to 17 years] per cluster; N=3840 total participants) will be recruited from the Ehlanzeni and Nkangala districts of Mpumalanga. Clusters will be randomly assigned to receive 1 of the 4 engagement packages that include ParentText alone or combined with in-person sessions and a facilitated WhatsApp support group. Quantitative data collected will include pretest-posttest parent- and adolescent-reported surveys, facilitator-reported implementation data, and digitally tracked engagement data. Qualitative data will be collected from parents and facilitators through in-person or over-the-phone individual semistructured interviews and used to expand the interpretation and understanding of the quantitative findings. Recruitment and data collection started in August 2023 and were finalized in November 2023. The total number of participants enrolled in the study is 1009, with 744 caregivers having completed onboarding to the chatbot-led intervention. Female participants represent 92.96% (938/1009) of the sample population, whereas male participants represent 7.03% (71/1009). The average participant age is 43 (SD 9) years. The ParentText Optimisation Trial is the first study to rigorously test engagement with a chatbot-led parenting intervention in a low- or middle-income country. The results of this study will inform the final selection of external delivery components to support engagement with ParentText in preparation for further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial in 2024. Open Science Framework (OSF); https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WFXNE. DERR1-10.2196/52145.

Knowledge on Urinary Tract Infection among the adolescent girls of age group of 13-16 years in Carmel School, Digboi, Tinsukia, Assam

A Urinary tract Infection is bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, which make urine, ureters, tubes that carry urine from kidney and the urethra, the tube that carries urine from bladder out of body.1 Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common problems in the female population.8 They are familiar to many women. Approximately 50 % of all women have at least one such infection in their lifetime. Study by Fakhria J. M showed that girl students sometimes use analgesic to reduce the pain caused due to UTI.2,5 According to WHO, Urinary Tract Infections is one of the leading cause of morbidity. About half female population report UTI during some point in their lives. It has high mortality and morbidity rates as well. Generally, women are 10 to 30 times prone to develop UTI as compared to men. UTI is treatable and preventable. But majority of the adolescent girls do not have adequate knowledge on Causes and preventive measures of urinary tract infection.3,4 Parents of adolescent girls should have adequate knowledge on adolescent health so that common diseases that may occur during adolescent period e.g urinary tract infection can be prevented. But research study by Hepsi Bai J revealed that some parents of adolescent girls do not have adequate knowledge regarding adolescent health. The study found that 60% of the parents had adequate knowledge regarding adolescent health.6 Study by Alphonsa Pascal also found that adolescent girls don’t have adequate knowledge on prevention of urinary tract infection and adolescent girls gained knowledge on UTI after planned teaching programme on UTI.7 Aims and Objectives: To assess the knowledge regarding Urinary Tract Infections among the adolescent girls of age group of 13-16 years in Carmel School, Digboi, Assam, to find out association between the knowledge Urinary Tract Infection among the adolescent girls of age group of 13-16 years and selected demographic variables in Carmel School, Digboi, Assam. Research methodology: This was a non-experimental quantitative descriptive research design. This study was conducted among adolescent girls of age group 13-16 years of Carmel School, Digboi. Self structured validated questionnaire in English language were prepared for demographic pro-forma; to assess the knowledge on Urinary Tract Infection. It includes 12 questions on demographic pro-forma, 22 questions on knowledge on Urinary Tract Infection. Results: Researcher assess the level of knowledge on Urinary Tract Infection among the adolescent girls of 13-16 years in Carmel School, Digboi and found that among 40 girls, most of them 32(80%) had moderately adequate knowledge, 5(12.5%) had adequate knowledge and 3(7.5%) had inadequate knowledge on Urinary Tract Infection. Level of Knowledge was not significantly associated between the knowledge regarding Urinary Tract Infection among the adolescent girls and selected demographic variables. Conclusion: The adolescent girls have moderately adequate knowledge on Urinary Tract Infection. It is found that there is no significant association between level of knowledge and selected demographic variables.

PD37-04 AT ONE POINT THEY HAD THE LUNCH LADY COMING UP TO ASSIST IN THE CHANGING OF HER PADS: PERIOD EXPERIENCES OF GIRLS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR UROLOGISTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD37-04 AT ONE POINT THEY HAD THE LUNCH LADY COMING UP TO ASSIST IN THE CHANGING OF HER PADS: PERIOD EXPERIENCES OF GIRLS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR UROLOGISTS Jodi Kreshmer, Daniela Wittmann, and Courtney Streur Jodi KreshmerJodi Kreshmer More articles by this author , Daniela WittmannDaniela Wittmann More articles by this author , and Courtney StreurCourtney Streur More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003335.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the menstruation experiences of girls with physical disabilities. As urologists are often the first line of sexual health support, we sought to better understand their experiences from the perspective of their parents. METHODS: Parents of adolescent girls with a physical disability ages 8-26 were recruited through convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews probing experience with periods were conducted until thematic saturation was reached. Coding of the interviews was conducted by two members of the research team using Grounded Theory. RESULTS: Twenty-one mothers of girls (average age 13.9) with spina bifida (10), cerebral palsy (9), spinal cord injury (1), or other physical disability (1) participated. Seven themes emerged, including: 1) parent and girl’s preparation for periods, 2) discordance between physical and cognitive development, 3) cross-section of disability and menstruation, 4) experience with menstrual management, 5) emotional response to periods, 6) desire for privacy, and 7) decisions regarding period suppression (Table 1). Parents were often surprised by the unique physical, social, and emotional challenges with menstruation and menstrual management their daughters faced. This was exacerbated by the need to rely on schools or caregivers for assistance for many, with variable support, and concerns about the risk of sexual assault. Both parents and girls often viewed periods as another burden to need to learn how to manage. Parents desired proactive provider support to help them manage their daughter's menstruation and respect for the decisions they made for their child. CONCLUSIONS: Girls with physical disabilities and their parents face unique challenges with menstruation. As urologists, we should inform parents about the possibility of precocious puberty and menstruation challenges, address difficulties with bladder management during periods, make referrals as indicated, and respect the family’s decisions. Source of Funding: This work was sponsored by a K23 award from the NICHD © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e987 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jodi Kreshmer More articles by this author Daniela Wittmann More articles by this author Courtney Streur More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Identifying intervention strategies to improve HPV vaccine decision-making using behaviour change theory

Although the HPV vaccine is highly safe and effective, its uptake is sub-optimal in many countries, including Ireland. There is therefore a need to identify appropriate interventions that will increase HPV vaccine acceptance by parents. In this study, we took a systematic approach to understand the factors that influence HPV vaccine uptake by parents of adolescent girls in Ireland to define suitable behaviour change interventions that would support positive vaccine decision-making in the future. Specifically, we conducted semi-structured interviews, used a Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)-based topic guide, to gain insight into the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and current behaviours of parents with respect to their HPV vaccine decision. Transcripts were analysed using the TDF. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) was used to identify relevant intervention functions and the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1), to identify relevant intervention techniques. All parents discussed the essential role of healthcare providers in vaccine decision-making. Complacency and confidence were important factors in decision-making by vaccine hesitant parents. Five BCW intervention functions were identified as appropriate, namely; education; persuasion; environmental restructuring; modelling and enablement. To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically evaluate HPV vaccine decision-making using behaviour change theory and identify suitable intervention strategies to promote positive vaccine decision-making using this approach.

Sexualized Images on Social Media and Adolescent Girls' Mental Health: Qualitative Insights from Parents, School Support Service Staff and Youth Mental Health Service Providers.

This research explored adults' perceptions of how sexualized images typically found on social media might influence adolescent girls' mental health, what support girls might need should they experience mental health difficulties, and how such difficulties could be prevented or reduced. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with parents of adolescent girls (n = 11) and those who provide support to them: school support service staff (n = 7) and youth mental health service providers (n = 10) located in Perth, Western Australia. All three participant groups perceived sexualized images typically found on social media as exacerbating poor mental health among adolescent girls. Two interrelated themes, emerged with participants describing the 'potential for comparison' and 'pressure to conform' they believed girls encounter on social media that influences their mental health. Participants also explained how they perceived 'counteracting negative influences' related to sexualized images on social media could prevent or reduce the potential for mental health harms among girls, and the importance of adults and services 'keeping up to date' and being 'approachable and trustworthy' when describing the support they believed girls might need. The findings of this study have important implications for the development of health promotion programs focused on social media use and mental health among adolescent girls.

"Then I will say that we have to marry each other": A qualitative view of premarital pregnancy as a driver of child marriage in Malawi".

Child marriage is common in Malawi, with 42.1% of women ages 20-24 marrying before age 18. Although global research on child marriage has increased in recent years, the reasons are context-specific and there is limited evidence on specific drivers of child marriage in Malawi. We explored pathways to child marriage in Mangochi and Nkhata Bay, drawing on focus groups (n=20) and in-depth interviews (n=39) with adolescent girls and parents of adolescent girls. We find that pregnancy often determines marriage timing and partner selection among adolescents, due in part to norms of adolescent dating or courtship and premarital sexual activity. Once pregnancy occurs, marriage is nearly inevitable even if the girl is under age 18. These findings have important implications for programs to delay marriage; programs must address weak motivations to prevent pregnancy and work to create alternative livelihood opportunities to foster economic self-sufficiency.

An Exploration of Social Norms That Restrict Girls’ Sexuality and Facilitate Child Marriage in Bangladesh to Inform Policies and Programs

PurposeDespite international commitments and increases in education and economic opportunities for girls and young women, child marriage persists and, in some contexts, reductions have stagnated. In order to accelerate and sustain progress, a better understanding of the social norms that continue to support the practice is required. MethodsThis qualitative study used 20 in-depth interviews with adolescent girls and another 10 with boys, a total of 16 focus group discussions with girls, boys, and parents of adolescent girls, and 8 key informant interviews with community leaders, to identify and understand the expectations that support the practice of child marriage, in communities in northern Bangladesh. ResultsExpectations that girls will restrict their mobility, limit their engagement with male peers, and take extremely limited decision-making roles in their marriage reinforce the practice of child marriage. Girls, and their families, that are considered at risk of or are perceived to have violated these norms face immense pressure for early marriage to mitigate damage to both their own and their families’ reputations. DiscussionSocial norms that are primarily engineered to control girls’ sexuality continue to underpin the practice of child marriage in Bangladesh. Efforts to reduce child marriage such as through increased education or economic opportunities must also address these norms if substantial reductions are to be achieved and sustained in the long-term.

Drivers and consequences of child marriage in a context of protracted displacement: a qualitative study among Syrian refugees in Egypt

BackgroundChild marriage is a human rights violation disproportionately impacting girls in low- and middle-income countries. In the Middle East region, conflict and displacement have prompted concerns that families are increasingly resorting to child marriage to cope with economic insecurity and fears from sexual violence. This study set out to examine child marriage among Syrian refugees residing in Egypt with the aim of understanding drivers of child marriage in this context of displacement as well as how child marriage affects refugee girls’ wellbeing.MethodsThis analysis draws from 15 focus group discussions (FGD) conducted with married and unmarried girls, as well as parents of adolescent girls in three governorates in Egypt. FGDs included a participatory ranking exercise and photo-elicitation. Additionally, we conducted 29 in-depth interviews with girls and mothers, as well as 28 key informant interviews with health providers, community leaders, and humanitarian actors. The data was thematically analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive coding.ResultsA prevalent phenomenon in pre-war Syria, child marriage has been sustained after the influx of Syrian refugees into Egypt by pre-existing cultural traditions and gender norms that prioritize the role of girls as wives and mothers. However, displacement into Egypt engendered different responses. For some families, displacement-specific challenges such as disruptions to girls’ education, protection concerns, and livelihood insecurity were found to exacerbate girls’ vulnerability to child marriage. For others, however, displacement into urban areas in Egypt may have contributed to the erosion of social norms that favored child marriage, leading to marriage postponement. Among girls who were married early, we identified a range of negative health and social consequences, including lack of family planning use, disruption to schooling and curtailment of girls’ mobility as well as challenges with marriage and birth registration which accentuated their vulnerability.ConclusionEfforts to address child marriage among Syrian refugees must acknowledge the different ways in which displacement can influence child marriage attitudes and practices and should capitalize on positive changes that have the potential to catalyze social norm change. Moreover, targeted, focused and contextualized interventions should not only focus on preventing child marriage but also on mitigating its impacts.

Impact of indirect education on knowledge and perception on cervical cancer and its prevention among the parents of adolescent girls: an interventional school-based study.

Background:India has almost 225 million adolescent girls and they seem to be at a disadvantage, both economically and by their lack of knowledge on human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, when compared to adolescent girls of other Asian countries.Aim:To assess the prevalence of HPV vaccination and to identify the impact of education in improving the knowledge and perception about the HPV infection and vaccination among the parents of adolescent girls.Methodology:The prospective interventional study was conducted in four schools within a South Indian City, Mysuru. The informed consent form and the questionnaire were sent home with the identified adolescent girls during the pre-interventional phase. Educational sessions were conducted for the students in their school and an education leaflet was distributed to their parents. Three weeks later, questionnaires were re-administered to the parents via the enrolled girls and their responses were collected.Results:The prevalence of HPV vaccination in the study population was 4.4%. There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge in the post-interventional phase of the study (p = 0.001), but could not identify a significant change in their perception (p = 0.479). Parents belonging to the socioeconomic class of upper middle and upper lower showed better improvement at the end of the study, with a percentage improvement of 58.93% and 48.44%, respectively.Conclusion:The study proved that the healt care professional can target school children to communicate effectively to their parents on the importance of HPV vaccine as the study clearly observed a positive behavioral change among the study population.

Development and pre/post testing of a decision aid supporting Chinese parental and young women’s HPV vaccination decision-making

ABSTRACTWe developed and tested the acceptability and utility of a novel HPV vaccination decision aid (DA) among Chinese young women aged 18–26 years and parents of adolescent girls aged 9–17 years. From March to May 2016, a total of 101 parents plus 109 young women completed baseline surveys assessing their HPV vaccination knowledge, decision self-efficacy, decision conflict, and HPV vaccination intention. Two weeks after receiving the DA, 84 (83.2%) parents and 92 (84.4%) young women completed re-assessments. Chi-square tests or t-tests were performed to compare the before-and-after differences. Cohen’s d was calculated to indicate the effect size. After reading the DA, both participating young women’s and parents’ knowledge of HPV vaccination (Cohen’s d = 0.62 among young women and d = 0.59 among parents) and decision self-efficacy (d = 0.38 among young women and d = 0.59 among parents) significantly increased. Both young women’s and parents’ decision conflict (d = −0 · 98 and −1.06) significantly decreased. The proportion of young women intending to receive HPV vaccination and parents deciding to vaccinate daughters against HPV significantly increased (p < 0 · 0001). The DA showed good acceptability and utility facilitating HPV vaccination decision-making for most Chinese young women and parents of adolescent girls. Further randomized controlled trials of this tool are essential.

Determinants of attitudes and beliefs toward human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccine among parents of adolescent girls in Mysore, India.

This study examined the determinants of attitudes and beliefs about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among parents of adolescent girls in Mysore, India. A random sample of 800 parents who had at least one adolescent-aged daughter attending school were recruited for a survey. Most parents (n = 778; 97.3%) completed the survey. Compared to Hindus, Muslims were more likely to perceive that their daughters are susceptible to HPV infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.87, 8.49) or cervical cancer (aOR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.55, 4.80). However, the likelihood of perceiving that daughters are susceptible to HPV infection (aOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.98) or cervical cancer (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99) decreased with an increase in the age of the parents. Perceived severity of HPV infection (aOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.97) and cervical cancer (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.74) was lower among Muslims than Hindus. Muslims had lower odds of believing that HPV vaccine is safe (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.89) or could protect against cervical cancer (aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.48), but were more likely to feel that HPV vaccination may cause girls to become more sexually active (aOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.39). The odds of believing that HPV vaccine is effective increased with an increase in the age of the parents (aOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.06). Among Indian parents, age and religion of parents are associated with parental attitudes and beliefs about the threat of HPV and cervical cancer as well as the risks and benefits of HPV vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Acceptability among Parents of Adolescent Girls in a Rural Area, Mysore, India.

The purpose of this study was to examine factors predicting human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptability among parents of adolescent girls in a rural area in Mysore district, India. Cross-sectional. Mysore, India. Parents of school-going adolescent girls. Parents completed a validated self-administered questionnaire. Parental willingness to vaccinate their daughters with HPV vaccine. Of the 831 parents who participated in this study, 664 (79.9%) were willing to vaccinate their daughter with HPV vaccine sometime soon if they were invited to receive it. Higher odds of parental willingness to vaccinate their daughters with HPV vaccine was observed among those who believed that HPV vaccine is safe (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-4.45); their daughter might become sexually active (aOR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.08-3.13); they have support of other family members to vaccinate their daughter (aOR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.47-5.57); and that HPV infection causes severe health problems (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.04-2.57). In contrast, parents who believed that there is low risk that their daughter will get cervical cancer (aOR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.95); that the family will disapprove of getting their daughter vaccinated (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.76); that the injection might cause pain (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.89), and were older-age parents (aOR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99) had lower odds of willingness to vaccinate daughters with HPV vaccine. Acceptance of HPV vaccination for daughters was high among rural parents in Mysore, India. However, health education to reduce the belief that injection is painful and that daughters are at low risk to get cervical cancer is important to further improve parental HPV vaccine acceptability in Mysore. Public health education should target older-aged parents and extended family members.

Disparities in parental human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness and uptake among adolescents

Trends in HPV vaccine awareness among parents of adolescent girls and boys (ages 13–17) and HPV vaccine uptake (≥1 dose) among girls (ages 13–17) were evaluated in Los Angeles County, California. Between 2007 and 2011, parental HPV vaccine awareness increased from 72% to 77% overall, with significant increases among mothers, Latinos, and respondents with daughters and Medi-Cal insured children. In 2011, parents who were male, older, less educated, Asian/Pacific Islander, and had sons remained significantly less likely to be aware. HPV vaccine initiation among daughters nearly doubled from 25% in 2007 to 48% in 2011, and girls who were older, uninsured, and had access-related barriers showed the largest improvements. In 2011, daughters who were younger and who had older and African American parents were at risk for low uptake. Thus, initiatives targeting male and younger adolescents, culturally-relevant information, and access to vaccination may help to reduce identified disparities.

Investigating stakeholder attitudes and opinions on school-based human papillomavirus vaccination programs.

In several countries worldwide, school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs have been successful; however, little research has explored US stakeholders' acceptance toward school-based HPV vaccination programs. A total of 13 focus groups and 12 key informant interviews (N = 117; 85% females; 66% racial/ethnic minority) were conducted with 5 groups of stakeholders: parents of adolescent girls, parents of adolescent boys, adolescent girls, middle school nurses, and middle school administrators throughout the 5 public health regions of New Mexico. All groups of stakeholders lacked knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccines. Stakeholders were interested in--but apprehensive about--the benefits of HPV vaccination. Despite previous literature showing the benefits of using middle schools as an HPV vaccination site, stakeholders did not deem middle schools as a viable site for vaccination. Nurses reported that using the school as an HPV vaccination site had not occurred to them; parents and adolescents stated they were uncertain about using this type of program. School administrators indicated that they lacked implementation authority. Our study uncovered barriers to using middle schools as a site of HPV vaccination. Resources should be directed toward increased support and education for middle school nurses who function as opinion leaders relevant to the uptake of HPV vaccination.

Does parents' socio-economic status matter in intentions of vaccinating against human papillomavirus for adolescent daughters?

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination provides substantial protection, and it is best to be taken before the age of twelve. Taiwan approved HPV vaccines since 2006. However, very few female adolescent have been vaccinated until now. To examine whether the parents' socio-economic status matters in deciding to purchase HPV vaccination for their daughters based on the theory of planned behavior. A structured questionnaire to collect 394 responses from parents of adolescent girls in Taiwan. Data was coded to categorize relevant socio-economic classes, and was analyzed with SPSS. The behavior intentions of parents with low (mean= 5.28) and high (5.01) socio-economic status are significantly stronger than the moderate (4.56) in deciding to purchase the HPV vaccination. Socio-economic factor has a slightly negative impact (B= -0.08), and attitude (0.68), subjective norms (0.16), and behavior control (0.32) have positive impacts on the parents' intention. Major impacts on the decision to purchase an HPV vaccination for their adolescent was not due to the parents' socio-economic status but the parent's attitude. As the major predictor of a less complicated decision, attitudes toward the HPV vaccination should be reinforced through continuous communications between service providers and patient-advocate groups.

Human papillomavirus vaccine acceptability among parents of adolescent girls: Obstacles and challenges in Mysore, India

ObjectiveWorldwide, 530,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 275,000 die annually. India bears the greatest burden of the disease with 132,000 cases and 74,000 deaths yearly. Widespread uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could reduce incidence and mortality by two-thirds. This study explored obstacles and facilitators of parental acceptability of HPV vaccine. MethodsIn 2010, questionnaires were sent home with a random sample of 800 girls attending 12 schools in Mysore city to be completed by a parent. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equation to account for potential clustering by school. ResultsOf the 797 completed surveys; 71% reported willingness to accept HPV vaccine for their daughters. The adjusted odds of acceptance was higher among participants who received recommendation from their parents, perceived cervical cancer as a serious disease, believed that HPV vaccine was safe, or felt that vaccination was a good way to protect against cervical cancer. Parents who had concerns about vaccine side-effects or thought that it would cause pain had lower odds of acceptance. ConclusionFuture promotion of vaccine should emphasize safety of immunization and involve promotion to the extended family, so that they actively recommend immunization of young adolescent girls.

Parents’ and Sons’ Beliefs in Sexual Disinhibition After Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

The concern that adolescent girls who receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may be more likely to have sex (ie, sexual disinhibition) has been commonplace in media coverage, but this belief is not held by many parents of adolescent girls. Because no studies have addressed this topic for adolescent boys, we examined parents' and their adolescent sons' beliefs in sexual disinhibition occurring after boys receive HPV vaccine. A national sample of parents of adolescent boys (n = 547) and their sons (aged 15-17 years; n = 176) completed online surveys in fall 2010. We used multi-item scales to measure parents' and sons' beliefs in sexual disinhibition after HPV vaccination. We used multivariate linear regression to identify correlates of beliefs in sexual disinhibition. Less than a quarter of parents or sons agreed with statements suggesting that HPV vaccination leads to sexual disinhibition among adolescent boys (range, 20%-24%). Parents who had more liberal political affiliations (β = -0.11), had a daughter who had received HPV vaccine (β = -0.12), or had no daughter (β = -0.10) reported weaker beliefs in sexual disinhibition. Parents who reported higher anticipated regret if their sons got HPV vaccine and fainted (β = 0.18) indicated stronger beliefs in sexual disinhibition. Sons who perceived higher peer acceptance of HPV vaccination (β = 0.44) or were Hispanic (β = 0.21) had stronger beliefs in sexual disinhibition. Most parents and sons did not believe that HPV vaccination leads to sexual disinhibition among boys. Understanding the characteristics of parents and sons who hold these beliefs may help inform efforts to increase HPV vaccine uptake among boys.