ASPO Abstracts
Should my teen get the vaccine? A comparison of HPV vaccination beliefs and perceptions of parents in the United States and Italy
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2022
Abstract Body:
Background. Despite widespread availability of the HPV vaccine in countries ranked among the highest in cancer mortality prevention, such as the United States (US) and Italy (ITL), vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. The purpose of this research was to gain a better understanding of the US and Italian contexts to inform future interventions.Methods. Participants (N=500) were recruited through a commercial survey administration and sampling company, Qualtrics, in September 2019. Quota sampling was utilized to ensure the sample would consist of equal samples American and Italian parents. To eligible for participation, the parents must report having a child between the ages of 5 to 10 living in their home. Survey items collected socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and intentions related to HPV and the HPV Vaccine. Results. Respondents (n=250 US and n=250 Italian) were 37.7 years (SD=6.3) on average, mostly female (61.8-70.6%), and married or living together (80.5- 93.9%). These parents were predominately White/Caucasian (80.5-97.7%) and about one-half had college degrees (40.5-42.7%).In univariate analyses, Italian parents (compared to US parents) had significantly lower HPV awareness, lower HPV knowledge, and lower supportive attitudes about the HPV vaccine (all p<.001). In adjusted models, Italian parents (p=.01), minorities (p<.001), and those with less awareness of HPV/HPV vaccine (p=.01) and less supportive attitudes towards HPV vaccination (p<.001) were less likely to report intentions to have their children vaccinated.Conclusions. Although the majority of parents in this study had heard of the HPV vaccine, low overall HPV vaccine coverage disparities in coverage remain in these countries. Clinicians should recommend HPV vaccination in the same way as other adolescent vaccines. Over time HPV vaccine discussions in the US shifted in focus from youth sexual behaviors to cancer prevention. This change in emphasis may be helpful in the Italian context. In addition, future public health campaigns should aim to increase awareness and improve knowledge and attitudes related to HPV infection prevention.
Keywords: HPV; HPV vaccine; cervical cancer; cancer prevention; global cancer research