Predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among women aged 19-26: importance of a physician's recommendation

Vaccine. 2011 Jan 29;29(5):890-5. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.12.063. Epub 2010 Jan 5.

Abstract

Among insured women, aged 19-26 years, those who discussed the HPV vaccine with their physician and received a recommendation were overwhelmingly more likely to be vaccinated. Student status and perception of the personal importance of vaccination were also predictive of vaccination. The strength of the physician's recommendation played a significant role in the decision to be vaccinated, resulting in a 4-fold greater likelihood of vaccination when women received a strong recommendation versus one that was not strong. Health care providers should be well-informed about HPV vaccination and recognize that the strength of their recommendation to patients will foster appropriate uptake.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / immunology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Physicians*
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines