The influence of parent–child gender on intentions to refuse HPV vaccination due to safety concerns/side effects, National Immunization Survey – Teen, 2010–2019

Abstract

Amid subpar uptake of HPV vaccination in the United States, gender-generated disparities in HPV vaccination uptake have the potential to perpetuate existing disparities in HPV-associated cancers. Yet few studies have investigated the influence of parent–child gender on intentions to refuse HPV vaccination due to safety concerns/side effects. This study used nationally representative data, spanning 2010–2019, from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen). NIS-Teen respondents are parents/guardians or primary caregivers of adolescents 13–17 years old living in the United States. Over the study period, intentions to refuse HPV vaccination due to safety concerns rose among all parent–child gender pairings but were highest among respondent mothers regarding their unvaccinated daughters. The results revealed a statistically significant increased likelihood of having intentions to refuse HPV vaccination due to safety concerns among all parent–child combinations compared with father–son pairs. These odds were consistently highest among mother–daughter pairs. In 2019, compared with father–son pairs, fathers were 1.94 (95% CI: 1.21–3.12) times more likely to report the intention to not vaccinate against HPV for their daughters, while mothers were 2.23 (95% CI: 1.57–3.17) and 2.87 (95% CI: 2.02–4.09) times more likely to report intentions to refuse HPV vaccination for their sons and daughters, respectively. These findings were persistent and constantly increased over the 10-year study period. Interventions aimed at correcting gender-based misperceptions and countering misinformation about the safety of the HPV vaccine are warranted.

Exploring mother-daughter communication and social media influence on HPV vaccine refusal for daughters aged 9-17 years in a cross-sectional survey of 11,728 mothers in China

“… 15 , 18-22 In addition, parents/guardians who refused to receive HPV vaccination were less likely to vaccinate their girls against HPV. 19 , 20 , 23 …”

Healthcare Provider’s Perceived Self-Efficacy in HPV Vaccination Hesitancy Counseling and HPV Vaccination Acceptance

“…Moreover, the concerns about the safety of HPV vaccines despite overwhelming evidence of HPV vaccine safety and efficacy is a major contributor to HPV vaccine hesitancy by parents and adult patients [ 6 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Similarly, concerns about sexual disinhibition following HPV vaccination are sometimes reported as another reason for HPV vaccine hesitancy by parents and providers despite evidence to the contrary [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Hence, the role of HCP in HPV vaccination counseling is of ever-rising importance.…”

Individual, systemic and state factors associated with provider recommendation of HPV vaccination: Findings from NIS-Teen, 2020

“…More so, parent-child gender relationships, specifically among father-son pairs, are associated with higher HPV vaccine hesitancy due to safety concerns. 30 Furthermore, factors such as well-child visit attendance at the recommended age (11–12 years) for receiving HPV vaccination and ordering of vaccines from the state by healthcare providers are potentially modifiable through the implementation of proven strategies; thus, providing vital opportunities for increasing HPV vaccination recommendation. While factors such as adolescent age, sex, race/ethnicity, facility type, poverty status, mother’s educational level, and state religious ideology may not be directly modifiable, understanding how they impact HPV vaccination recommendation could guide future policies, guidelines, and tailored interventions to increase recommendation rates.…”