Skip to main content

Factors Associated with College Women’s Personal and Parental Decisions to be Vaccinated Against HPV

Journal of Community Health volume 43, pages 1228–1234 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a public health concern because of its association with cancer. HPV vaccine rates among college students remains low. This is a critical catch-up age for individuals to receive the HPV vaccine and research shows parents still play a role in college students’ medical decision-making. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine factors related to college women making a solo decision to initiate the HPV vaccination in comparison to making a joint parent-daughter decision. Data collected using an internet-delivered questionnaire were analyzed from 799 college women who had initiated or completed the HPV vaccination. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to compare study variables on who decided the participant should be vaccinated (self-decision, parent-only decision, joint parent-daughter decision). Participants who were older (OR 1.68, p < 0.001) and sexually active (OR 4.97, p < 0.001) were significantly more likely to have made a solo decision to be vaccinated. Participants who completed the HPV vaccination (OR 0.33, p < 0.001) and those who talked with a parent about the HPV vaccine (OR 0.12, p < 0.001) were significantly less likely to have made a solo decision to be vaccinated. Findings indicate joint parent-daughter decisions may improve HPV vaccination cycle completion.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price includes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

  1. American Cancer Society. (2017). HPV and cancer. Retrieved Febuary 17, 2018 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-cancer-info.html.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Genital HPV infection - CDC fact sheet. Retrieved January 30, 2018 from http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm.

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cancer. Retrieved Febuary 20, 2018 from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/index.htm.

  4. American Cancer Society. (2017). What are the key statistics about cervical cancer? Retrieved Febuary 16, 2018 from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-key-statistics.

  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). HPV and cancer. Retrieved Febuary 16, 2018 from http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/cancer.html.

  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). HPV vaccine information for young women. Retrieved Febuary 16, 2018 from http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-vaccine-young-women.htm.

  7. Meites, E., Kempe, A., & Markowitz, L. E. (2016). Use of a 2-dose schedule for human papillomavirus vaccination - updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 65(49), 1405.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. US Department of Health and Human Services, Healthy People 2020. (2018). Immunization and infectious disease. Retrieved Febuary 15, 2018 from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/immunization-and-infectious-diseases/objectives.

  9. Walker, T. Y., Elam-Evans, L. D., Singleton, J. A., Yankey, D., Markowitz, L. E., Fredua, B.,.. . Stokley, S. (2017). National, regional, state, and selected local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years—united states. 2016. MMWR, 66(33), 874–882.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Williams, W. W., Lu, P., O’Halloran, A., Kim, D. K., Grohskopf, L. A., & Pilishvili, T... . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2016). Surveillance of vaccination coverage among adult populations - united states, 2014. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.Surveillance Summaries (Washington, D.C.: 2002), 65(1), 1.

  11. Kessels, S. J. M., Marshall, H. S., Watson, M., Braunack-Mayer, A. J., Reuzel, R., & Tooher, R. L. (2012). Factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake in teenage girls: A systematic review. Vaccine, 30(24), 3546–3556.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Thompson, E. L., Vamos, C. A., Straub, D. M., Sappenfield, W. M., & Daley, E. M. (2016). Human papillomavirus vaccine information, motivation, and behavioral skills among young adult US women. Journal of Health Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316672924.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Hughes, J., Cates, J. R., Liddon, N., Smith, J. S., Gottlieb, S. L., & Brewer, N. T. (2009). Disparities in how parents are learning about the human papillomavirus vaccine. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 18(2), 363–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Ragan, K. R., Bednarczyk, R. A., Butler, S. M., & Omer, S. B. (2018). Missed opportunities for catch-up human papillomavirus vaccination among university undergraduates: Identifying health decision-making behaviors and uptake barriers. Vaccine, 36(2), 331–341.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Smith, M. L., Wilson, K. L., Pulczinski, J. C., & Ory, M. G. (2014). Support for HPV vaccination mandates for both females and males. American Journal of Health Behavior, 38(6), 831–838.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Wilson, K. L., White, A., Rosen, B. L., Chiappone, A., Pulczinski, J. C., Ory, M. G., & Smith, M. L. (2016). Factors associated with college students’ intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV: Protecting the next generation. Journal of Community Health, 41(5), 1078–1089.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Wilson, K. L., Cowart, C. J., Rosen, B. L., Pulczinski, J. C., Solari, K. D., Ory, M. G., & Smith, M. L. (2016). Characteristics associated with HPV diagnosis and perceived risk for cervical cancer among unmarried, sexually active college women. Journal of Cancer Education, 33, 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Wilson, K. L., Smith, M. L., Rosen, B. L., Pulczinski, J. C., & Ory, M. G. (2017). HPV vaccination status and mandate support for school-aged adolescents among college females: A descriptive study. The Journal of School Nursing, 33(3), 232–245.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Rosen, B. L., Thompson, E., Wilson, K. L., & Smith, M. L. (2017). Do political and religious affiliations impact HPV vaccine mandate support? Health Behavior and Policy Review, 4(5), 472–483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Kahn, J. A., Rosenthal, S. L., Hamann, T., & Bernstein, D. I. (2003). Attitudes about human papillomavirus vaccine in young women. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 14, 300–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Behavioral risk factor surveillance system questionnaire-2010. Retrieved Febuary 15, 2018 from http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/annual_data/pdf-ques/2010brfss.pdf.

  22. Dunne, E. F., Unger, E. R., Sternberg, M., et al. (2007). Prevalence of HPV infection among females in the united states. Journal of American Medical Association, 297(8), 813–819.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Markowitz, L., Liu, G., Hariri, S., Steinau, M., Dunne, E., & Unger, E. (2016). Prevalence of HPV after introduction of the vaccination program in the united states. Pediatrics, 137(3), e20151968–e20151968.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Kosenko, K. A., Harvey-Knowles, J., & Hurley, R. J. (2014). The information management processes of women living with HPV. Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives, 19(7), 813–824.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Smith, R. A., Hernandez, R., & Catona, D. (2014). Investigating initial disclosures and reactions to unexpected, positive HPV diagnosis. Western Journal of Communication, 78(4), 426–440.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Bendik, M. K., Mayo, R. M., & Parker, V. G. (2011). Knowledge, perceptions, and motivations related to HPV vaccination among college women. Journal of Cancer Education, 26(3), 459–464.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Bynum, S. A., Brandt, H. M., Sharpe, P. A., Williams, M. S., & Kerr, J. C. (2011). Working to close the gap: Identifying predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among young african american women. Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved, 22(2), 549–561.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Daley, E. M., Vamos, C. A., Buhi, E. R., Kolar, S. K., McDermott, R. J., Hernandez, N., & Fuhrmann, H. J. (2010). Influences on human papillomavirus vaccination status among female college students. Journal of Women’s Health, 19(10), 1885–1891.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Dempsey, A., Cohn, L., Dalton, V., & Ruffin, M. (2010). Patient and clinic factors associated with adolescent human papillomavirus vaccine utilization within a university-based health system. Vaccine, 28(4), 989–995.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Wei, F., Moore, P. C., & Green, A. L. (2013). Geographic variability in human papillomavirus vaccination among U.S. young women. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 44(2), 154–157.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  31. Williams, W. W., Lu, P., Saraiya, M., Yankey, D., Dorell, C., Rodriguez, J. L.,.. . Markowitz, L. E. (2013). Factors associated with human papillomavirus vaccination among young adult women in the united states. Vaccine, 31(28), 2937–2946.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Dempsey, A., Cohn, L., Dalton, V., & Ruffin, M. (2011). Worsening disparities in HPV vaccine utilization among 19–26 year old women. Vaccine, 29(3), 528–534.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Pourat, N., & Jones, J. M. (2012). Role of insurance, income, and affordability in human papillomavirus vaccination. The American Journal of Managed Care, 18(6), 320–330.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Wilson, R., Brown, D. R., Boothe, M. A. S., & Harris, C. E. S. (2013). 2012). Knowledge and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among ethnically diverse black women. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 15(4), 747–757.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Thompson, V. L. S., Arnold, L. D., & Notaro, S. R (2012). African american parents’ HPV vaccination intent and concerns. Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved, 23(1), 290–301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). VFC program. Retrieved Febuary 16, 2018 from https://www.cdc.gov/features/vfcprogram/#vfclist.

  37. Cox, D. S., Cox, A. D., Sturm, L., & Zimet, G. (2010). Behavioral interventions to increase HPV vaccination acceptability among mothers of young girls. Health Psychology, 29(1), 29–39.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Roberts, M. E., Gerrard, M., Reimer, R., & Gibbons, F. X. (2010). Mother-daughter communication and human papillomavirus vaccine uptake by college students. Pediatrics, 125(5), 982–989.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Hughes, C. C., Jones, A. L., Feemster, K. A., & Fiks, A. G. (2011). HPV vaccine decision making in pediatric primary care: A semi-structured interview study. BMC Pediatrics, 11, 74.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Hilton, S., & Smith, E. (2011). “I thought cancer was one of those random things. I didn’t know cancer could be caught… Adolescent girls’ understandings and experiences of the HPV programme in the UK. Vaccine, 29(26), 4409–4415.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Williams, K., Forster, A., Marlow, L., & Waller, J. (2011). Attitudes towards human papillomavirus vaccination: A qualitative study of vaccinated and unvaccinated girls aged 17–18 years. The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care/Faculty of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care, Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 37(1), 22–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA

    Brittany L. Rosen, James M. Bishop & Skye McDonald

  2. Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77030, USA

    Kelly L. Wilson

  3. School of Public Health, Center for Population Health and Aging, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77030, USA

    Matthew Lee Smith

Authors
  1. Brittany L. Rosen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. James M. Bishop
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Skye McDonald
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kelly L. Wilson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Matthew Lee Smith
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brittany L. Rosen.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rosen, B.L., Bishop, J.M., McDonald, S. et al. Factors Associated with College Women’s Personal and Parental Decisions to be Vaccinated Against HPV. J Community Health 43, 1228–1234 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-018-0543-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-018-0543-8

Keywords

  • Human papillomavirus
  • Vaccine
  • Cancer prevention
  • College