Understanding HPV Vaccine Decision Making in Pediatric Care
Author Information
Author(s): Hughes Cayce C, Jones Amanda L, Feemster Kristen A, Fiks Alexander G
Primary Institution: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Hypothesis
What factors influence the decision-making process regarding HPV vaccination among adolescents, their mothers, and clinicians?
Conclusion
Improving HPV vaccine delivery in primary care requires better communication between parents and clinicians.
Supporting Evidence
- Parents often delayed vaccination due to concerns about their child's risk of sexual activity.
- Clinicians used two main strategies to present the HPV vaccine, either as routine or optional.
- Teens felt they were passive participants in the decision-making process regarding vaccination.
Takeaway
This study looked at how parents, teens, and doctors decide about the HPV vaccine, finding that parents often delay vaccination and doctors sometimes don't push for it.
Methodology
Qualitative interviews with 20 mother-adolescent-clinician triads conducted after preventive visits.
Potential Biases
Clinicians may underestimate the risk of HPV in certain demographics, affecting their recommendations.
Limitations
Results may not be generalizable due to the specific health system and the focus on younger teens.
Participant Demographics
20 mothers (12 Black, 8 White), 20 adolescents (10 aged 11-12), and 20 clinicians (16 female).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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