Parental influence still plays a large role in how young adults view human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, according to a series of semistructured interviews that found unexpectedly low independent decision making in the cohort.

“Young adulthood is characterized by changes in health care decision-making, insurance coverage, and sexual risk,” according to a report in Vaccine. UCLA–led researchers sought to explore perspectives on HPV vaccination among young adults receiving care at the student health center of a large public university.

They point out that while the HPV vaccine is now approved for adults up to age 45 years and catch-up vaccination is currently recommended up through age 26 years, vaccination rates remain low in young adults.

The study team conducted 27 semistructured interviews and conducted four focus groups with female and male undergraduate and graduate students, as well as semi-structured interviews with six healthcare providers. The goal of the interviews and focus groups was to document views about the perceived risk of HPV infection, benefits of the HPV vaccine, and motivations for and barriers to HPV vaccination.

“Many young adults cited their parents’ views and recommendations from medical providers as influential on their decision-making process,” the authors advise. “Students perceived that cervical cancer prevention was a main benefit of the HPV vaccine and sexual activity was a risk factor for HPV infection. Students often lacked knowledge about the vaccine's benefits for males and expressed some concerns about the safety and side effects of a vaccine perceived as new.”

In addition, the interviewees cited some logistical barriers to vaccination. Those included uncertainty over vaccination status and insurance coverage for the vaccine and worries about balancing the vaccine schedule with school obligations.

Healthcare providers said health-system factors informed their vaccine recommendations, including clinical infrastructure, processes for recommending and documenting vaccination, and office-visit priorities. The interviewees suggested vaccination promotion strategies included improving the timing and messaging of outreach efforts on campus and shoring up clinical infrastructure.

“Although college may be an opportune time to reach young adults for HPV vaccination, obstacles including navigating parental influence and independent decision-making, lack of awareness of vaccination status, and numerous logistical and system-level barriers may impede vaccination during this time,” the authors conclude.

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.


« Click here to return to Vaccine Update.