School-based HPV vaccination positively impacts parents' attitudes toward adolescent vaccination

Cristyn Davies; Tanya Stoney; Heidi Hutton; Adriana Parrella; Melissa Kang; Kristine Macartney; Julie Leask; Kirsten McCaffery; Gregory Zimet; Julia M L Brotherton; Helen S Marshall; S Rachel Skinner; HPV.edu Study Group

doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.05.051

School-based HPV vaccination positively impacts parents' attitudes toward adolescent vaccination

Vaccine. 2021 Jul 5;39(30):4190-4198. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.05.051. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Speciality of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: Cristyn.Davies@sydney.edu.au.
² Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia.
³ Women's and Children's Health Network and School of Medicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia.
⁴ School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁵ Speciality of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Sydney, Australia.
⁶ Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁷ Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁸ Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
⁹ VCS Population Health, VCS Foundation, and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
¹⁰ Women's and Children's Health Network and School of Medicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia.
¹¹ Speciality of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.

PMID: 34127299
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.05.051

Abstract

Introduction: This qualitative study aimed to explore parental attitudes, knowledge and decision-making about HPV vaccination for adolescents in the context of a gender-neutral school-based Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with parents of adolescents eligible for HPV vaccination were undertaken as part of an evaluation of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention in 40 schools (2013-2015). In this qualitative study, we purposively recruited a nested sample of parents from 11 schools across two Australian jurisdictions. Interviews explored parent knowledge and understanding of the HPV vaccine program; HPV vaccination decision-making; their adolescent's knowledge about HPV vaccination; and their adolescent's understanding about HPV vaccination, sexual awareness and behaviour. Transcripts were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis.

Results: Parents' of 22 adolescents had positive attitudes towards the program; the school-based delivery platform was the key driver shaping acceptance of and decision-making about HPV vaccination. They had difficulty recalling, or did not read, HPV vaccination information sent home. Some adolescents were involved in discussions about vaccination, with parents' responsible for ultimate vaccine decision-making. All parents supported in-school education for adolescents about HPV and HPV vaccination. Parents' knowledge about HPV vaccination was limited to cervical cancer and was largely absent regarding vaccination in males.

Conclusions: Parents' positive attitudes towards the NIP and inclusion of the HPV vaccine is central to their vaccine decision-making and acceptance. More intensive communication strategies including school education opportunities are required to improve parents' knowledge of HPV-related disease and to promote vaccine decision-making with adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescent; Attitudes; Decision-making; HPV; HPV vaccine; Implementation; Knowledge; Parent; School-based vaccination.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Australia
Decision Making
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Papillomavirus Infections* / prevention & control
Papillomavirus Vaccines*
Parents
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Schools
Vaccination

Substances

Papillomavirus Vaccines