Parental beliefs and knowledge about male human papillomavirus vaccination in the US: a survey of a pediatric clinic population

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine US parental knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) in males, views on vaccination, and correlation to vaccination rates. The survey was conducted of clinic population about parental knowledge and beliefs of male HPV health outcomes and vaccination. There were a total of 102 participants who completed the survey. Perceived parental knowledge about the virus was reported as "a lot" by 11%, "some" by 50%, and "very little/nothing" by 38% of the participants. However, knowledge of HPV was moderate, with only 14% of the respondents answering all knowledge questions correctly; 64% of the respondents correctly identified HPV as a cause of genital warts in males, 43% identified at least one HPV-related cancer, and 30% were unable to identify any health outcomes in males. There was a statistically significant correlation between perceived and actual knowledge, with >15% of the survey respondents correctly identifying that HPV does not clear up on its own (p=0.004). Of the participants who did not vaccinate, reasons included the following: 54% fulfilled the child's wish not to be vaccinated, 38% reported belief vaccine is unsafe, and 38% indicated that their children are too young and/or expressed fear that the vaccine would negatively affect behavior. This study supports the fact that parental beliefs and attitudes are more important than actual knowledge about HPV or HPV vaccination. The implication to physicians is to tailor discussions to address fears about the dangers or complications, emphasize the safety of the vaccine, and address sources of misinformation.

Psychosocial determinants of parental human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision-making for sons: Methodological challenges and initial results of a pan-Canadian longitudinal study

“…The relationship between parent’s knowledge and vaccine acceptance/intentions is mixed and equivocal [73–77]. Low knowledge in the present group of parents could be explained by the relatively new recommendation of the HPV vaccine for boys and indicate the need to inform parents about the link between HPV and penile, anal and oral cancers as well as GW.…”

Views on HPV and HPV Vaccination: The Experience at a Federal Qualified Clinic in Puerto Rico

“…16 Studies have identified reasons why parents have not vaccinated their children, including: believing the HPV vaccine is not necessary, having concerns over side effects, lacking or having insufficient knowledge about the vaccine, and lack of recommendations from health care providers. 17–19 Therefore, enhancing knowledge in parents—particularly Hispanics/Latinos—about HPV and the vaccine will help increase vaccination rates among young males.…”

Acceptability of HPV Vaccine for Males and Preferences for Future Education Programs Among Appalachian Residents

“…The current study collected data from four key stakeholder groups from Appalachian communities to examine their acceptability of HPV vaccine for males and potential barriers to vaccinating males against HPV in their communities. Since knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine for males tends to be low (Gilbert, Brewer, Reiter, Ng, & Smith, 2011; Griebeler, Feferman, Gupta, & Patel, 2012; Reiter, McRee, Gottlieb, & Brewer, 2010), participants’ preferences for future HPV vaccine education programs for males were examined. Results will be useful in planning future HPV vaccine interventions for males living in Appalachia.…”