ASPO Abstracts
Variations in reason for intentions not to vaccinate across time and by race/ ethnicity, NIS-Teen (2008-2016)
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in adolescence prevents cervical cancer later in life. However, the vaccine is often declined by parents. Reasons for declining the vaccine may vary. The purpose of this study is to examine how parents’ reasons for not vaccinating their children with the HPV vaccine have changed over time, and how these reasons vary by race/ ethnicity.Methods: We used a nationally representative repeated cross-sectional survey (National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen)) to examine variations in reason for declining the HPV vaccine among parents of 13-17 year olds. Data were collected annually 2008- 2016. Frequently cited reasons were graphed according to year of survey, and trends were examined using joinpoint analysis. All reasons for declining were examined by race/ ethnicity and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to examine variation in reasons for refusal.Results: Significant increases across time in refusing HPV vaccination due to safety concerns and lack of school requirement were observed. Refusing vaccination due to lack of knowledge, child not sexually active, and inappropriate age decreased across time. Significant increase in frequency of refusing due to lack of provider recommendation was observed 2008 to 2012, with a decrease occurring after 2012. Several reasons for not intending to vaccinate their children varied according to race/ ethnicity.Conclusions: Frequency for some reasons related to HPV vaccine refusal changed over time, and reflected efforts of education programs implemented in the US. Racial/ ethnic differences in reasons for HPV vaccine refusal need to be better understood to improve vaccination programs.
Keywords: HPV vaccination refusal, human papillomavirus, cervical cancer prevention