The accuracy of human papillomavirus vaccination status based on adult proxy recall or household immunization records for adolescent females in the United States: results from the National Immunization Survey-Teen

HPV vaccine behaviors and intentions among a diverse sample of women aged 27-45 years: implications for shared clinical decision-making

BACKGROUND

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued a shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) recommendation for HPV vaccination in persons aged 27-45. Since expanded eligibility for the vaccine was issued, little information has been available about HPV vaccine behaviors and intentions among women in this age group.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among women aged 27-45 years recruited through a Qualtrics™ respondent panel (N = 324) to answer the following questions (1) What is the prevalence of HPV vaccination among a diverse sample of adult women aged 27-45 years? (2) What are the characteristics of those who have or have not previously been vaccinated? and (3) What factors are associated with the intention to obtain the HPV vaccine among those who had never been vaccinated? Multivariable logistic regression analyses estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

Only 31.1% had at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. In multivariable analyses, those more likely to have been vaccinated were younger and were more likely to believe that the vaccine was effective. Of those unvaccinated or unsure, 54.8% indicated they were likely to get vaccinated in the future. Factors associated with future vaccine intention (compared to those not intending) included beliefs about vaccine testing, perceived likelihood of HPV infection, greater comfort in asking one's provider for vaccination, and prior negative healthcare experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that many women in this age group are interested in HPV vaccination. While the recommendation is for SCDM rather than routine vaccination for all women in this age group, efforts to promote informed decision-making among mid-adult women may include educating women about the rigorous vaccine testing and approval process, their risk factors for HPV infection, and encouraging them to engage in SCDM with their medical providers. Targeted efforts to reach women who have had negative experiences with healthcare may also be needed.

Trends in Adolescent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Parental Hesitancy in the United States

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in the United States, underscoring the importance of monitoring trends in vaccine hesitancy.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the 2011-2020 National Immunization Survey-Teen were used to assess trends in HPV vaccination initiation among 13-17-year-olds, parental intent to initiate vaccination, and primary reasons for parental hesitancy.

RESULTS

Among all sex and race and ethnicity groups, the prevalence of HPV vaccination initiation increased over time, but parental intent to vaccinate against HPV for unvaccinated teens remained consistently low (≤45%). Among hesitant parents, "safety concerns" increased in nearly all demographic groups, with the greatest increases observed for non-Hispanic white female and male teens and no change for non-Hispanic black female teens. In 2019-2020, parents of unvaccinated non-Hispanic white teens were least likely to intend on vaccinating their teens, and the most common reason for hesitancy varied by sex and race and ethnicity (eg, "safety concerns" for white teens and "not necessary" for black female teens).

CONCLUSIONS

Although HPV vaccination initiation increased over time, a substantial fraction of parents remain hesitant, and trends in their reason varied by sex and race and ethnicity. Health campaigns and clinicians should address vaccine safety and necessity.

HPV vaccination coverage and factors among American Indians in Cherokee Nation

PURPOSE

We estimated human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation coverage among American Indian adolescents and identified factors associated with HPV vaccination among parents of these adolescents.

METHODS

We developed, tested, and disseminated a survey to a random sample of 2,000 parents of American Indian adolescents aged 9-17 years who had accessed Cherokee Nation Health Services from January 2019 to August 2020. We used log-binomial regression to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted weighted prevalence proportion ratios (PPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for adolescent HPV vaccine initiation.

RESULTS

HPV vaccine initiation coverage (≥ 1 dose) was 70.7% among adolescents aged 13-17 years. The prevalence of HPV vaccine initiation was higher among American Indian adolescents whose parents were aware of the HPV vaccine (adjusted weighted PPR 3.41; 95% CI 2.80, 4.15) and whose parents received a recommendation from their provider (adjusted weighted PPR 2.70; 95% CI 2.56, 2.84). The most common reasons reported by parents to vaccinate their children were to protect them against HPV-associated cancers (25.7%) and receiving a recommendation from a healthcare provider (25.0%). Parents cited vaccine safety concerns as the main reason for not getting their children vaccinated (33.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV vaccine initiation coverage among American Indian adolescents in Cherokee Nation was consistent with the national survey estimates. However, allaying parental concerns about vaccine safety and encouraging providers to recommend the HPV vaccine could improve coverage.

Comparison of Social Inequality in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination among Teenagers with Parental Reports and Healthcare Providers’ Records in the 2019 National Immunization Survey-Teen

Background: Relatively little is known about social inequality in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among teenagers in the United States. This study aims to investigate whether there is a social disparity in HPV vaccination among teenagers and if so, whether it can differ according to the source of teen vaccination information (parental reports and provider records). Methods: We used the data from the 2019 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen; 42,668 teenagers, aged 13–17) including parent-reported vaccination status. Among them, 18,877 teenagers had adequate provider-reported vaccination records. Two socioeconomic status (SES) measures were used: mother’s education and annual family income. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted. Results: False negatives of parental reports against provider records were more than two times higher (p < 0.001) in low-SES teens than in high-SES teens. In both SES measures, the proportion of HPV-unvaccinated teenagers was lowest at the highest SES level in analyses with parental reports. However, it was the opposite in analyses with provider records. Interestingly, regardless of the vaccination information source, the HPV unvaccinated rate was highest in the middle-SES teens (>12 years, non-college graduates; above poverty level, but not >USD 75 K). Conclusions: Significant social inequality in HPV vaccination among teenagers exists in the United States. The pattern of social inequality in HPV vaccination can be distorted when only parent-reported vaccination information is used.

Provider response and follow-up to parental declination of HPV vaccination

OBJECTIVE

Parents often decline HPV vaccination, but little is known about how healthcare providers should promote vaccination at a later visit for secondary acceptance. We examined the associations of two factors, providers' response to declination during the visit and follow-up after the visit, with secondary acceptance.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of US parents whose 9- to 17-year-old child had not yet completed the HPV vaccination series. Parents who declined HPV vaccination during an initial discussion with a provider (n = 447) reported whether their provider engaged in any active response during the visit (e.g., giving information, trying to change their mind) or any follow-up after the visit (e.g., scheduling another visit). We conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine whether an active response or follow-up was associated with secondary acceptance of HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

Only about one-third of parents reported an active response during the visit (35%) or follow-up after the visit (39%) following HPV vaccination declination. Parents had higher odds of secondary acceptance of HPV vaccine if they received any provider follow-up after the visit (43% vs. 20%, aOR:3.19; 95% CI:2.00:5.07). Receipt of an active provider response was not associated with secondary acceptance. More parents thought a provider should actively respond and follow-up (61% and 68% respectively), compared with those who received such a response (both p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Providers' follow-up after the visit may be important for promoting secondary acceptance of HPV vaccination. Parents who decline HPV vaccination often prefer to receive an active response or follow-up from a provider.

Associations Between Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Decisions and Exposure to Vaccine Information in Social Media

PURPOSE

Exposure to different types of vaccine information in social media can result in parents making disparate vaccine decisions, including not following national guidelines for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. We sought to characterize parents' exposure to and engagement with information about HPV vaccination in social media, and the associations between exposure to such information and vaccine decisions for their adolescent children.

METHODS

In 2019, we conducted a web-based survey with a national sample of 1073 parents of adolescents who use social media. The survey assessed whether parents have seen information in favor, against, or mixed about HPV vaccination. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed correlates of vaccine decisions, including HPV vaccine initiation, delay, and refusal.

RESULTS

Sixty-one percent of parents reported that their children have initiated HPV vaccination. Over one-third of parents (37%) reported seeing HPV vaccine information on social media, which was either in favor (20%), against (5%), or a mix (12%). Parents exposed to information in favor were more likely than those who saw no information to have initiated HPV vaccination (OR = 1.74, 95% CI:1.24, 2.44). Parents exposed to information against vaccination were more likely to have delayed (OR = 3.29, 95% CI:1.66, 6.51) or refused (OR = 4.72, 95% CI:2.35, 9.50) HPV vaccination. Exposure to mixed information was also significantly associated with vaccine delay and refusal.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest that the type of information seen on social media regarding HPV vaccination may influence the decisions parents make about vaccinating their children. Efforts should be sought to increase online information in favor of HPV vaccination and combat vaccine misinformation in social media.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Social Media: Results in a Trial With Mothers of Daughters Aged 14-17

Introduction: Parents acquire information about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines online and encounter vaccine-critical content, especially on social media, which may depress vaccine uptake. Secondary analysis in a randomized trial of a Facebook-delivered adolescent health campaign targeting mothers with posts on HPV vaccination was undertaken with the aims of (a) determining whether the pre–post-change occurred in self-reports of the mothers on HPV vaccination of their adolescent daughters; (b) describing the comments and reactions to vaccine posts; (c) exploring the relationship of campaign engagement of the mothers assessed by their comments and reactions to posts to change in the self-reports of the mothers of HPV vaccination.

Materials and Methods: Mothers of daughters aged 14–17 were recruited from 34 states of the US (n = 869). A social media campaign was delivered in two Facebook private groups that differed in that 16% of posts in one were focused on indoor tanning (IT) and 16% in the other, on prescription drug misuse, assigned by randomization. In both groups, posts promoted HPV vaccination (n = 38 posts; no randomization) and vaccination for other disease (e.g., influenza, n = 49). HPV and other vaccination posts covered the need for a vaccine, the number of adolescents vaccinated, how vaccines are decreasing the infection rates, and stories of positive benefits of being vaccinated or harms from not vaccinating. Guided by social cognitive theory and diffusion of innovations theory, posts were intended to increase knowledge, perceived risk, response efficacy (i.e., a relative advantage over not vaccinated daughters), and norms for vaccination. Some vaccination posts linked to stories to capitalize on identification effects in narratives, as explained in transportation theory. All mothers received the posts on vaccination (i.e., there was no randomization). Mothers completed surveys at baseline and 12- and 18-month follow-up to assess HPV vaccine uptake by self-report measures. Reactions (such as sad, angry) and comments to each HPV-related post were counted and coded.

Results: Initiation of HPV vaccination (1 dose) was reported by 63.4% of mothers at baseline, 71.3% at 12-month posttest (pre/post p < 0.001), and 73.3% at 18-month posttest (pre/post p < 0.001). Completion of HPV vaccination (two or three doses) was conveyed by 50.2% of mothers at baseline, 62.5% at 12-month posttest (pre/post p < 0.001), and 65.9% at 18-month posttest (pre/post p < 0.001). For posts on HPV vaccines, 8.1% of mothers reacted (n = 162 total), and 68.4% of posts received a reaction (63.2% like; 13.2% love, 7.9% sad). In addition, 7.6% of mothers commented (n = 122; 51 unfavorable, 68 favorable, 1 neutral), and 50.0% of these posts received a comment. There were no differences in pre–post change in vaccine status by the count of reactions or comments to HPV vaccine posts (Ps > 0.05). Baseline vaccination was associated with the valence of comments to HPV vaccine posts (7.2% of mothers whose daughters had completed the HPV series at baseline made a favorable comment but 7.6% of mothers whose daughters were unvaccinated made an unfavorable comment).

Conclusion: Effective strategies are needed in social media to promote HPV vaccines and counter misinformation about and resistance to them. Mothers whose daughters complete the HPV vaccine course might be recruited as influencers on HPV vaccines, as they may be predisposed to talk favorably about the vaccine. Comments from mothers who have not been vaccinated should be monitored to ensure that they do not spread vaccine-critical misinformation. Study limitations included lack of randomization and control group, relatively small number of messages on HPV vaccines, long measurement intervals, inability to measure views of vaccination posts, reduced generalizability related to ethnicity and social media use, and use of self-reported vaccine status.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02835807.

Development and Implementation of an HPV Vaccination Survey for American Indians in Cherokee Nation

Improving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates is a public health priority and a crucial cancer prevention goal. We designed a survey to estimate HPV vaccination coverage and understand factors associated with HPV vaccination among American Indian adolescents aged 9 to 17 years in Cherokee Nation, United States. The final survey contains 37 questions across 10 content areas, including HPV vaccination awareness, initiation, reasons, recommendations, and beliefs. This process paper provides an overview of the survey development. We focus on the collaborative process of a tribal-academic partnership and discuss methodological decisions regarding survey sampling, measures, testing, and administration.

A validated modification of the vaccine hesitancy scale for childhood, influenza and HPV vaccines

INTRODUCTION

Vaccine hesitancy contributes to outbreaks of preventable disease worldwide. The Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS), developed by the international WHO SAGE Working Group, has been validated previously for measuring hesitancy towards childhood vaccines; some psychometric properties were suboptimal.

METHODS

We collected data using large, nationally-representative samples of parents in the U.S. We adapted the VHS items, and additional hesitancy items, to assess hesitancy towards influenza and HPV vaccines in addition to routine childhood vaccines. We then used exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to identify latent constructs and create modified scales for childhood (VHS-child), influenza (VHS-flu) and HPV (VHS-HPV) vaccines with improved psychometric properties. Finally, we compared hesitancy scores on the VHS-child, VHS-flu, and VHS-HPV, to self-reported receipt of each vaccine category, and compared subscale scores to assess whether drivers of hesitancy differed by vaccine category.

RESULTS

2052 parents of children <18 years old completed the VHS-child and VHS-flu while 2020 parents of adolescents completed the VHS-HPV. A two-factor structure of 'risks' and a 'lack of confidence' was found for each vaccine category. Slight modifications to the VHS improved psychometric properties. Hesitancy was strongly associated with vaccine receipt: e.g., 76% of parents not hesitant towards influenza vaccine had vaccinated their child the past season, versus 9% of hesitant parents (p < 0.0001). Subscale scores also differed significantly between vaccines: lack of confidence was greater towards influenza (Median (IQR): 2.0 (1.2, 3.3)) and HPV (2.0 (1.3, 3.0)) vaccines than childhood (1.2 (1.0, 1.8), p < 0.0001 for both) vaccines; perceived risks of HPV vaccines (2.7 (1.7, 3.7)) were greater than for childhood vaccines (2.0 (1.3, 3.0), p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our modified VHS scales perform well psychometrically and allow for consistent measurement of the extent and reasons for hesitancy between vaccine categories. We suggest that future work use these scales to examine hesitancy towards other vaccines and to monitor hesitancy over time.

Prevalence and characteristics of HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents of adolescents across the US

BACKGROUND

While many clinicians encounter parents or adolescents who refuse HPV vaccine, little is known about the prevalence of hesitancy for HPV vaccine nationally or its association with vaccination.

METHODS

In April 2019, we surveyed families with adolescents 11-17 years using a national online panel (Knowledge Panel®) as the sampling frame. We assessed the prevalence of HPV vaccine hesitancy with the validated 9-item Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). We used multivariate analyses to assess demographic factors associated with HPV vaccine hesitancy. We also assessed practical barriers to receipt of HPV vaccine and the relationship between barriers and hesitancy. Finally, we evaluated the association between both HPV vaccine hesitancy and practical barriers on HPV vaccine receipt or refusal.

RESULTS

2,177 parents out of 4,185 sampled (52%) completed the survey, 2,020 qualified (lived with adolescent). Using a VHS cut-off score > 3 out of 5 points, 23% of US parents were hesitant about HPV vaccine. Hesitancy was lower among those with Hispanic ethnicity. At least one out of five parents disagreed that the HPV vaccine is beneficial for their adolescent, that the vaccine is effective, protects against HPV-related cancers, or that they followed their adolescent's health-care provider's recommendation about the vaccine. Many were concerned about vaccine side effects and the novelty of the vaccine. Adolescents living with vaccine-hesitant parents were less than one-third as likely to have received the vaccine (RR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.24, 0.35) or completed the vaccine series (RR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.23, 0.36), and were 6-fold more likely to have refused the vaccine because of parental vaccine-related concerns (RR = 6.09, 95% CI = 5.26, 7.04). Most practical barriers were independently associated with vaccine receipt but not with vaccine refusal.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV vaccine hesitancy is common nationally and strongly related to both under-vaccination and vaccine refusal.

Validity of Maternal Recall to Assess Vaccination Coverage: Evidence from Six Districts in Zhejiang Province, China

Background: Although recall-based data are collected by survey when the vaccination records are not available, the preferred estimates remain the record-based ones due to the limited validity of recall-based data. However, the evidence on validity of maternal recalls is limited and varied across vaccine types. To close the gaps, we validated the maternal recall on vaccination against record-based data in six districts in Zhejiang Province, China. Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey of about 648 households with mothers who delivered in the last 12 months prior to the survey in October 2017, from six districts in Zhejiang Province. Vaccination status on five vaccine types scheduled before 12 months of age were collected through maternal recall and vaccination records. The level of agreement and recall bias between the two resources, the sensitivity and specificity of maternal recall were evaluated. Risk factors for maternal recall bias were also identified through logistic regression model for each type of vaccine. Results: The level of agreement between recall and record was above 90% across vaccine types, with the recall bias ranged from 2.2% to 9.7%. Recall bias due to over-reporting was slightly higher than that due to under-reporting. Recall bias was positively associated with high parity, home delivery, younger mothers, mothers with low education, and migrant mothers. Conclusions: This study indicated most of the vaccination status across vaccine types was accurately identified through maternal recall and supported the use of maternal recall to estimate the vaccination coverage as an alternative in the absence of record-based data.

A multilevel analysis of factors influencing the inaccuracy of parental reports of adolescent HPV vaccination status

BACKGROUND

Parental reports are commonly used for adolescent HPV vaccination status but may be subjected to bias. Guided by the Socioecological Framework, our study explores potential multilevel factors influencing the inaccuracy of parental reports of adolescent HPV vaccination status.

METHODS

Data from parents of 19,683 adolescents with provider-verified data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Correlates included adolescent characteristics, parent/household factors, number of providers seen, state-level median income, and state-level HPV vaccine policy. Outcomes included inaccuracy in reporting: vaccine initiation (≥1 dose), completion (3 doses), and number of doses.

RESULTS

24% and 25% of parents reported initiation and completion inaccurately; 28% under-reported and 11% over-reported number of doses. All adolescent characteristics, parent/household factors, and number of healthcare providers seen were associated with the outcomes. Of note, compared to parents of White adolescents, parents of racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more likely to inaccurately report all outcomes (aOR ranges from 1.43 to 1.76 for initiation, 1.45-1.75 for completion, 1.98-2.05 for under-reporting, and 1.17-1.41 for over-reporting). Households with higher maternal education (aOR = 0.70, 0.92, 0.79, and 0.80) and income (aOR = 0.54, 0.62, 0.50, and 0.70) were less likely to inaccurately report initiation, report completion, under-report, and over-report, respectively. Those having seen more providers were less likely to inaccurately report initiation and completion but more likely to over-report number of vaccine doses.

DISCUSSION

Being parents of females, older adolescents, and racial/ethnic minority adolescents, having lower material education, and poverty status were associated with higher odds of inaccurately reporting HPV vaccination status. These results have implications for estimates drawn from self-reports. Future research can examine sources of inaccuracies (e.g., social desirability or health literacy); they could also explore solutions (e.g., access to vaccine records) that can help parents accurately report vaccination status. State policy does not appear to have an impact on report accuracy.

Stories about HPV vaccine in social media, traditional media, and conversations

How stories from media and social interactions shape parents' HPV vaccination decisions is poorly understood. We sought to characterize parents' exposure to such stories, as well as associations between story exposure and vaccination behavior. Study participants were 1263 parents of U.S. adolescents who had not yet completed the HPV vaccine series. In 2017, these parents completed an online survey about whether they had heard stories of people who were harmed by HPV vaccine or who got diseases HPV vaccine could have prevented. Almost half of parents had heard HPV vaccine stories, which were about vaccine harms only (19%), vaccine preventable diseases only (11%), or both (15%). Stories of harms more often came from social and traditional media; stories of preventable diseases more often came from conversations (all p < 0.01). Parents who heard only stories about harms were less likely than those who heard no stories to have initiated HPV vaccination (23% vs. 33%, aOR:0.48; 95% CI:0.33:0.69). They were more likely to have delayed (79% vs. 66%, aOR:2.00; 95% CI:1.09:3.71) or refused (72% vs. 24%, aOR:8.87; 95% CI:4.09:19.25) HPV vaccination. Exposure to both stories about harms and preventable diseases was similarly associated with initiation, delay and refusal. Exposure to only stories about preventable diseases was not associated with initiation, delay or refusal. In conclusion, stories of HPV vaccine harms may be associated more strongly with vaccination behavior than stories of HPV vaccine preventable diseases. Communication campaigns should consider strategies to elevate stories of preventable diseases in social and traditional media.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation for Adolescents Following Rhode Island's School-Entry Requirement, 2010-2016

OBJECTIVES

To assess changes in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation for adolescent girls and boys in Rhode Island compared with all other states.

METHODS

We estimated the gender-specific effects of Rhode Island's school-entry HPV vaccination policy on self-reported HPV vaccination initiation by using a difference-in-differences design with the National Immunization Survey-Teen from 2010 through 2016.

RESULTS

Compared with boys in other states, boys in Rhode Island increased their HPV vaccine initiation rate by 11% (b = 0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05, 0.18) after enactment of the requirement. No difference was seen in the probability of HPV vaccine initiation among girls in Rhode Island compared with girls in the multistate control (b = -0.01; 95% CI = -0.08, 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis identified an 11% increase in HPV vaccine initiation rate among boys in Rhode Island after the school-entry requirement was enacted, whereas no significant change was observed for girls. Public Health Implications. Given suboptimal vaccine uptake rates in the United States, continued pursuit of state-level public policy to improve HPV vaccination is needed. School-entry requirements for HPV vaccination may be a strategy for closing the gap in HPV vaccine uptake for boys and girls.

Provider Communication and Mothers' Willingness to Vaccinate Against Human Papillomavirus and Influenza: A Randomized Health Messaging Trial

OBJECTIVE

To understand the effect of a health messaging intervention focused on provider communication about vaccination on mothers' willingness to vaccinate children against human papillomavirus (HPV) and seasonal influenza.

METHODS

A total of 2476 mothers of 9- to 13-year-olds in the United States completed a Web-based survey in August 2014. Mothers were randomized to 1 of 2 groups targeting HPV or influenza vaccine. Mothers whose child had not received the target vaccine (ie, zero doses of HPV vaccine/no prior-year administration of influenza vaccine) were randomized to the intervention. The study used a 3 × 2 between-subjects design; illustrated vignettes depicted 1 of 3 levels of provider recommendation strength (brief mention of vaccination, strong recommendation of vaccination, or personal disclosure of vaccination of own children), and presence or absence of information comparing safety of vaccination to the safety of a common daily activity. Outcome was mothers' willingness to have their child receive the target vaccine. Perceived benefits of vaccination were assessed before viewing the intervention and were included as a covariate in analyses, along with child gender.

RESULTS

For HPV vaccine, there was a main effect of safety information (F(1,684) = 7.99, P = .005) and perceived benefits of vaccination (F(1,684) = 221.64, P < .001) on mothers' willingness to vaccinate. For influenza, perceived benefits of vaccination significantly related to willingness to vaccinate (F(1,462) = 105.78, P < .001). Child gender was not associated with willingness.

CONCLUSIONS

Provider communication about vaccination may need to be tailored to the vaccine in question. A next step to increasing coverage for both HPV and influenza vaccines may be an intervention aimed at increasing mothers' perceived benefits of vaccination.

Role of Race/Ethnicity, Language, and Insurance in Use of Cervical Cancer Prevention Services Among Low-Income Hispanic Women, 2009-2013

Introduction

Hispanic women in the United States have an elevated risk of cervical cancer, but the existing literature does not reveal why this disparity persists.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 17,828 low-income women aged 21 to 64 years seeking care at Oregon community health centers served by a hosted, linked electronic health record during 2009 through 2013. We assessed the odds of having had Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and receiving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, by race/ethnicity, insurance status, and language.

Results

Hispanic women, regardless of pregnancy status or insurance, had greater odds of having had Pap tests than non-Hispanic white women during the study period. English-preferring Hispanic women had higher odds of having had Pap tests than Spanish-preferring Hispanic women (OR, 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.66) but lower odds of having received HPV vaccination (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.12–0.38). Uninsured patients, regardless of race/ethnicity, had lower odds of HPV vaccine initiation than insured patients did. Once a single dose was received, there were no significant racial/ethnic differences in vaccine series completion.

Conclusion

In this sample of low-income women seeking care at Oregon community health centers, we found minimal racial/ethnic disparities in the receipt of cervical cancer prevention services. Inequities by insurance status, especially in the receipt of HPV vaccine, persist. Community health center–based care may be a useful model to address racial/ethnic disparities in prevention, but this model would need further population-wide study.

Variation in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake and Acceptability Between Female and Male Adolescents and Their Caregivers

HPV vaccination coverage is suboptimal. Previous research largely focused on vaccinating girls. This study aimed to identify factors associated with HPV vaccination among male and female adolescents. We conducted secondary analyses using the National Immunization Survey-Teen. We specified parallel logistic models to examine associations of adolescent, caregiver, and provider characteristics with vaccination status among boys and girls. The primary outcome was HPV vaccination status defined as unvaccinated, initiated, or completed. Additionally, we analyzed caregivers' intent to initiate or complete the three-dose series. The vaccination completion rate was 26 %. Among teens aged 13-17 years, 19 % initiated, but did not complete the vaccine. Additionally, 14 % of males completed the 3-dose series as compared to 38 % of females. Vaccination rates were higher among teens receiving a provider recommendation [girls: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.33, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (2.44, 4.55); boys: AOR = 10.0, 95 % CI (7.69, 12.5)]. Moreover, provider recommendation was associated with caregivers' intent to initiate vaccination [girls: AOR = 2.32, 95 % CI (1.77, 3.02); boys: AOR = 2.76, 95 % CI (2.22, 3.43)]. Other associations differed by gender. Higher vaccine initiation rates were associated with younger age and residing in the mid-west for girls and racial/ethnic minority and eligibility for the "Vaccine for Children" program for boys. Provider recommendation for vaccination was the strongest predictor for both genders; however, it is insufficient to achieve high coverage rates, especially among boys. Factors associated with HPV vaccination were different for males and females. These findings suggest providers should consider gender bias with regard to HPV vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rates in Young Cancer Survivors

Purpose

Cancer survivors are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related morbidities; we estimated the prevalence of HPV vaccine initiation in cancer survivors versus the US population and examined predictors of noninitiation.

Methods

Participants included 982 cancer survivors (9 to 26 years of age; 1 to 5 years postcompletion of therapy); we assessed HPV vaccine initiation, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and vaccine-specific health beliefs; age-, sex-, and year-matched US population comparisons were from the National Immunization Survey-Teen and the National Health Interview Survey (2012-2015).

Results

The mean age at the time of the study was 16.3 ± 4.7 years; the mean time off therapy was 2.7 ± 1.2 years; participants were 55% male and 66% non-Hispanic white; 59% had leukemia/lymphoma. Vaccine initiation rates were significantly lower in cancer survivors versus the general population (23.8%; 95% CI, 20.6% to 27.0% v 40.5%; 95% CI, 40.2% to 40.7%; P < .001); survivors were more likely to be HPV vaccine-naïve than general population peers (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% CI, 1.41 to 2.09; P < .001). Initiation in adolescent survivors (ages 13 to 17 years) was 22.0% (95% CI, 17.3% to 26.7%), significantly lower than population peers (42.5%; 95% CI, 42.2% to 42.8%; P < .001). Initiation in young adult survivors and peers (ages 18 to 26 years) was comparably low (25.3%; 95% CI, 20.9% to 29.7% v 24.2%; 95% CI, 23.6% to 24.9%). Predictors of noninitiation included lack of provider recommendation (OR, 10.8; 95% CI, 6.5 to 18.0; P < .001), survivors' perceived lack of insurance coverage for HPV vaccine (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 3.9 to 11.0; P < .001), male sex (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.7 to 4.8; P < .001), endorsement of vaccine-related barriers (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6 to 4.6; P < .001), and younger age (9 to 12 years; OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.8-7.6; P < .001; comparison, 13 to 17 years).

Conclusion

HPV vaccine initiation rates in cancer survivors are low. Lack of provider recommendation and barriers to vaccine receipt should be targeted in vaccine promotion efforts.

Understanding Non-Completion of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Series: Parent-Reported Reasons for Why Adolescents Might Not Receive Additional Doses, United States, 2012

Completion rates of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series among U.S. adolescents are below public health targets. We explored parent-reported reasons for their children's non-completion of the HPV vaccine series using a nationally representative online survey of parents of children aged 9-17 years, fielded in October 2012. Among the 1,653 parents who responded, the proportion reporting that their child would definitely continue with the HPV vaccine series among those who had started the series ranged from 28% to 54%. The most common reason cited by parents for non-completion of the series was their child's fear of needles, followed by lack of awareness about additional doses and safety concerns. These findings demonstrate the need to encourage adoption of strategies addressing needle fears, utilize reminders for parents about subsequent doses, and emphasize recent HPV vaccine safety data in discussions with parents.

Accuracy of parent-reported measles-containing vaccination status of children with measles

OBJECTIVES

The validity of parent-reported measles-containing vaccination history in children with measles has not been assessed. This study evaluated the accuracy of parental recall of measles-containing vaccination histories in Shenzhen, China.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study was performed to compare the data from the electronic records with parental recall. The electronic records were regarded as accurate data about the children's measles-containing vaccination status.

METHODS

We collected data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System and the Immunization Program Information Management System in Shenzhen city, China. Between 2009 and 2014, there were 163 children with measles who had electronic vaccination records; the vaccination status of these cases was reported by the parents in the field epidemiological investigation. We validated parental recall with electronic records.

RESULTS

The agreement between parental recall and electronic records was 78.7%. The kappa value was 0.57. The parent-reported measles-containing vaccination rate was higher than the electronic record (48.5% vs 41.7%, χ² = 53.64, P < 0.001). The true positive rate for parental recall was 82.4%, and the true negative rate was 75.8%. The positive predictive value was 70.9%, and the negative predictive value was 76.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with measles, parental recall slightly overestimated the measles vaccination rate, and the vaccination status recalled by parents was in moderate agreement with the electronic record.

What explains the different rates of human papillomavirus vaccination among adolescent males and females in the United States?

PURPOSE

To identify factors that explain differences in HPV vaccination rates for male and female adolescents and to determine self-reported barriers by parents affecting vaccination decisions.

METHODS

The sample included adolescents 13-17 years old with a vaccination record documented in the 2012 and 2013 National Immunization Survey-Teen dataset. A logistic regression model was developed with 13 socio-demographic factors and survey year, along with significant interaction pairs with gender.

RESULTS

Subjects included 20,355 and 18,350 adolescent boys and girls, respectively. About half of the females (56%) received at least one dose of HPV vaccine, compared to 28% of males. Several factors differed between males and females, including higher vaccination rates among non-Hispanic Black males and lower vaccination rates for non-Hispanic Black females compared to Whites; and a stronger association with health care provider recommendation among males. The most common parental reasons for not vaccinating their children included 'not recommended by a health care provider' for males (24%), and 'unnecessary' for females (18%).

CONCLUSION

We found a significant gender interaction with several socio-demographic variables in predicting vaccination uptake. These gender differences may be partially an artifact of timing, because male vaccination became routine approximately five years after female vaccination.

Concordance of adolescent human papillomavirus vaccination parental report with provider report in the National Immunization Survey-Teen (2008-2013)

OBJECTIVES

To examine the accuracy of parental report of HPV vaccination through examination of concordance, with healthcare provider vaccination report as the comparison.

METHODS

The 2008-2013 National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen was used to examine accuracy of parent reports of HPV vaccination for their female daughters aged 13-17years, as compared with provider report of initiation and number of doses. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations related to concordance of parent and provider report.

RESULTS

Of 51,746 adolescents, 84% concordance for HPV vaccine initiation and 70% concordance for number of doses was observed. Accuracy varied by race/ethnicity, region, time, and income. The parent report of number of doses was more likely to be accurate among parents of 13 and 14year old females than 17year olds. Accuracy of initiation and number of doses were lower among Hispanic and black adolescents compared to white parents. The odds of over-report was higher among minorities compared to whites, but the odds of underreport was also markedly higher in these groups compared to parents of white teens. Accuracy of parental vaccine report decreased across time.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are important for healthcare providers who need to ascertain the vaccination status of young adults. Strengthening existing immunization registries to improve data sharing capabilities and record completeness could improve vaccination rates, while avoiding costs associated with over-vaccination.

Parent Perception of Provider Interactions Influences HPV Vaccination Status of Adolescent Females

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among adolescent females is well below national public health goals. Many known barriers to HPV vaccine receipt can be addressed in parent-physician conversations. This study sought to explore parent experiences and attitudes related to HPV vaccination of adolescent girls, focused on interactions with providers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents using a nationally representative online panel. Among parents with ≥1 daughter aged 11 to 17 years, provider recommendations for HPV vaccine and specified age to begin the HPV vaccine series were associated with HPV vaccine status. Parents who reported their daughters were unlikely to complete the HPV series were more likely to have had no discussion of HPV vaccine with the provider. Efforts to increase HPV vaccination rates among adolescent females should continue to focus on improving provider discussion of HPV vaccine.

HPV vaccine uptake among overweight and obese US adolescents: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake in the US is suboptimal; identifying risk factors associated with low vaccine uptake is critical to increase vaccination coverage. Some evidence suggests body mass index (BMI) is associated with low HPV vaccine uptake and increased risk of HPV infection in adults. BMI may therefore be an important factor in targeting HPV vaccine to US adolescents.

METHODS

We investigated the relationship between BMI categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese) and HPV vaccine uptake in 4109 adolescents (9-18 years old) using data from the 2009 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We used modified Poisson regression to assess the relationship between BMI and receipt of at least one HPV vaccine, and BMI and completion of the vaccine three-dose series. We assessed the relationship between BMI and age at first HPV vaccination using linear regression.

RESULTS

Receipt of at least one dose of HPV vaccine was low in both females (35%) and males (10%). High BMI was not associated with initiation of the HPV vaccine series, age at first HPV vaccination, or completion of the HPV vaccine three-dose course.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that high BMI is associated with reduced initiation or completion of the HPV vaccination series, or age at initiation of the three-dose course among a general population sample of US adolescents. Our results suggest that efforts to increase HPV vaccine uptake need not consider targeting by weight status at this time.

The development and validation of a meta-tool for quality appraisal of public health evidence: Meta Quality Appraisal Tool (MetaQAT)

OBJECTIVES

Most quality appraisal tools were developed for clinical medicine and tend to be study-specific with a strong emphasis on risk of bias. In order to be more relevant to public health, an appropriate quality appraisal tool needs to be less reliant on the evidence hierarchy and consider practice applicability. Given the broad range of study designs used in public health, the objective of this study was to develop and validate a meta-tool that combines public health-focused principles of appraisal coupled with a set of design-specific companion tools.

STUDY DESIGN

Several design methods were used to develop and validate the tool including literature review, synthesis, and validation with a reference standard.

METHODS

A search of critical appraisal tools relevant to public health was conducted; core concepts were collated. The resulting framework was piloted during three feedback sessions with public health practitioners. Following subsequent revisions, the final meta-tool, the Meta Quality Appraisal Tool (MetaQAT), was then validated through a content analysis of appraisals conducted by two groups of experienced public health researchers (MetaQAT vs generic appraisal form).

RESULTS

The MetaQAT framework consists of four domains: relevancy, reliability, validity, and applicability. In addition, a companion tool was assembled from existing critical appraisal tools to provide study design-specific guidance on validity appraisal. Content analysis showed similar methodological and generalizability concerns were raised by both groups; however, the MetaQAT appraisers commented more extensively on applicability to public health practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical appraisal tools designed for clinical medicine have limitations for use in the context of public health. The meta-tool structure of the MetaQAT allows for rigorous appraisal, while allowing users to simultaneously appraise the multitude of study designs relevant to public health research and assess non-standard domains, such as applicability.

Provider communication and HPV vaccination: The impact of recommendation quality

BACKGROUND

Receiving a healthcare provider's recommendation is a strong predictor of HPV vaccination, but little is known empirically about which types of recommendation are most influential. Thus, we sought to investigate the relationship between recommendation quality and HPV vaccination among U.S. adolescents.

METHODS

In 2014, we conducted a national, online survey of 1495 parents of 11-17-year-old adolescents. Parents reported whether providers endorsed HPV vaccination strongly, encouraged same-day vaccination, and discussed cancer prevention. Using an index of these quality indicators, we categorized parents as having received no, low-quality, or high-quality recommendations for HPV vaccination. Separate multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between recommendation quality and HPV vaccine initiation (≥ 1 dose), follow through (3 doses, among initiators), refusal, and delay.

RESULTS

Almost half (48%) of parents reported no provider recommendation for HPV vaccination, while 16% received low-quality recommendations and 36% received high-quality recommendations. Compared to no recommendation, high-quality recommendations were associated with over nine times the odds of HPV vaccine initiation (23% vs. 74%, OR=9.31, 95% CI, 7.10-12.22) and over three times the odds of follow through (17% vs. 44%, OR=3.82, 95% CI, 2.39-6.11). Low-quality recommendations were more modestly associated with initiation (OR=4.13, 95% CI, 2.99-5.70), but not follow through. Parents who received high- versus low-quality recommendations less often reported HPV vaccine refusal or delay.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality recommendations were strongly associated with HPV vaccination behavior, but only about one-third of parents received them. Interventions are needed to improve not only whether, but how providers recommend HPV vaccination for adolescents.

Prevalence and predictors of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young women surviving childhood cancer

PURPOSE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection and the cause of cervical and other cancers. Vaccination is available to protect against genital HPV and is recommended for individuals aged 9-26 years. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV vaccination among childhood cancer survivors and to identify factors associated with vaccine outcomes.

METHODS

Young adult females with (n = 114; M age = 21.18 years, SD = 2.48) and without (n = 98; M age = 20.65 years, SD = 2.29) a childhood cancer history completed surveys querying HPV vaccination initiation/completion, as well as sociodemographic, medical, and health belief factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for vaccine outcomes.

RESULTS

Among survivors, 38.6 % (44/114) and 26.3 % (30/114) initiated or completed vaccination compared to 44.9 % (44/98) and 28.6 % (28/98) among controls, respectively. In the combined survivor/control group, physician recommendation (OR = 11.24, 95 % CI 3.15-40.14) and familial HPV communication (OR = 7.28, 95 % CI 1.89-28.05) associated with vaccine initiation. Perceptions of vaccine benefit associated with vaccine completion (OR = 10.55, 95 % CI 1.59-69.92), whereas perceptions of HPV-related severity associated with non-completion (OR = 0.14, 95 % CI 0.03-0.71).

CONCLUSION

Despite their increased risk for HPV-related complication, a minority of childhood cancer survivors have initiated or completed HPV vaccination. Modifiable factors associated with vaccine outcomes were identified.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

HPV vaccination is a useful tool for cancer prevention in survivorship, and interventions to increase vaccine uptake are warranted.

Could Poor Parental Recall of HPV Vaccination Contribute to Low Vaccination Rates?

INTRODUCTION

Rates of initiation and completion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series remain below national goals. Because parents are responsible for ensuring vaccination of their children, we examined the accuracy of parental recall of the number of shots their daughters received.

METHODS

Parents/guardians of girls aged 11 to 17 years were asked to recall the number of HPV doses received by their daughters. Dose number was confirmed using provider-verified medical records. Logistic regression assessed variables associated with correct recall.

RESULTS

A total of 79 (63%) parents/guardians correctly identified the number of shots their daughters received. Ninety-one (73%) were aware of whether their daughter started the series at all. The only factor significantly associated with accurate recall in logistic regression models was female gender of parent/guardian.

CONCLUSION

Nearly 40% of parents/guardians inaccurately recalled the number of HPV shots their children received, which may contribute to low rates of vaccine initiation and completion.

Geospatial patterns of human papillomavirus vaccine uptake in Minnesota

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and to determine the geographic distribution of vaccine uptake while accounting for spatial autocorrelation.

DESIGN

This study is cross-sectional in design using data collected via the Internet from the Survey of Minnesotans About Screening and HPV study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The sample consists of 760 individuals aged 18-30 years nested within 99 ZIP codes surrounding the downtown area of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

RESULTS

In all, 46.2% of participants had received ≥ 1 dose of HPV vaccine (67.7% of women and 13.0% of men). Prevalence of HPV vaccination was found to exhibit strong spatial dependence ([Formula: see text] = 0.9951) across ZIP codes. Accounting for spatial dependence, age (OR=0.76, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.83) and male gender (OR=0.04, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.07) were negatively associated with vaccination, while liberal political preferences (OR=4.31, 95% CI 2.32 to 8.01), and college education (OR=2.58, 95% CI 1.14 to 5.83) were found to be positively associated with HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong spatial dependence and heterogeneity of HPV vaccination prevalence were found across ZIP codes, indicating that spatial statistical models are needed to accurately identify and estimate factors associated with vaccine uptake across geographic units. This study also underscores the need for more detailed data collected at local levels (eg, ZIP code), as patterns of HPV vaccine receipt were found to differ significantly from aggregated state and national patterns. Future work is needed to further pinpoint areas with the greatest disparities in HPV vaccination and how to then access these populations to improve vaccine uptake.

Parent HPV vaccine perspectives and the likelihood of HPV vaccination of adolescent males

In 2013, approximately one-third of US adolescent males age 13-17 y had received ≥1 doses of HPV vaccines and only 14% had received ≥3 doses. This study used a nationally representative, online survey to explore experiences and attitudes related to HPV vaccination among parents with adolescent sons. Analyses compared the perspective of parents who do not intend to initiate HPV vaccine for ≥1 adolescent son to that of parents who are likely to initiate or continue HPV vaccination. Of 809 parents of sons age 11-17 years, half were classified as Unlikely to Initiate HPV vaccination and 39% as Likely to Vaccinate. A higher proportion of the Likely to Vaccinate group felt their son's doctor was knowledgeable about HPV vaccine, did a good job explaining its purpose, and spent more time discussing HPV vaccine; in contrast, over half of the Unlikely to Initiate group had never discussed HPV vaccine with their child's doctor. The majority of parents in both groups showed favorable attitudes to adolescent vaccination in general, with lower levels of support for HPV vaccine-specific statements. Physician-parent communication around HPV vaccine for adolescent males should build on positive attitude toward vaccines in general, while addressing parents' HPV vaccine-specific concerns.

Human papillomavirus vaccine initiation among 9–13-year-olds in the United States

The quadrivalent and 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are licensed for administration among 9–26-year-old males and females, with routine vaccination recommended for 11–12-year-olds. Despite the availability of the vaccine at younger ages, few studies have explored vaccine uptake prior to age 13, and national HPV vaccination surveillance data is limited to 13–17-year-olds. Our objective was to examine rates and predictors of HPV vaccine initiation among 9–13-year-olds in the United States. A national sample of mothers of 9–13-year-olds in the United States (N = 2446) completed a 2014 Web-based survey assessing socio-demographic characteristics, child's HPV vaccination history, provider communication regarding the vaccine, and other attitudes and behaviors pertaining to vaccination and healthcare utilization. The main outcome measure was child's initiation of the HPV vaccine (i.e., receipt of one or more doses). Approximately 35% of the full sample and 27.5% of the 9–10-year-olds had initiated HPV vaccination. Females were more likely than males to have initiated HPV vaccination by the age of 13 but not by younger ages. Strength of health provider recommendation regarding HPV vaccination was a particularly salient predictor of vaccine initiation. Approximately a third of children may be initiating the HPV vaccine series before or during the targeted age range for routine administration of the vaccine. Because coverage remains below national targets, further research aimed at increasing vaccination during early adolescence is needed. Improving providers' communication with parents about the HPV vaccine may be one potential mechanism for increasing vaccine coverage.

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Approximately 35% of 9–13-year-olds had initiated the HPV vaccine series.

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A quarter of 9–10-year-olds had initiated the HPV vaccine series.

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At age 13, females were more likely than males to have initiated HPV vaccination.

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No gender difference in HPV vaccine initiation was found prior to age 13.

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Provider recommendation was a particularly salient predictor of HPV vaccination

The role of parental attitudes and provider discussions in uptake of adolescent vaccines

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parental vaccine attitudes, the number of specific vaccines discussed with a provider, and immunization outcomes including discussing immunization with their teen, knowledge of adolescent vaccine schedule, and their son or daughter being up-to-date on recommended vaccines using a nationally weight sample. Parents completed an internet-based survey between December 2012 and January 2013 and we computed a vaccine attitude scale (higher scores indicating stronger and more positive attitudes toward vaccination of teen) for each parent and categorized them into one of three groups: low (n=76), medium (n=207) or high (n=215). We also constructed a vaccine discussion scale representing the number of vaccines discussed with their adolescent's physician. Parents who were identified as having high vaccine attitudes were significantly more likely to report their physician talked with them about a particular vaccine. Using logistic regression and controlling for respondent's gender and age, income, and teen's gender, we found medium as compared to low-attitude parents had a 6.21 (95%CI=3.08, 12.51) greater odds of reporting that their teen had all recommended vaccines. Similarly, high as compared to low-attitude parents reported a 23.02 (95% CI=11.27, 46.99) greater odds of having a teen who was up-to-date on recommended vaccines. We detected that for each additional vaccine discussed, there was a 1.24 (95%CI=1.11, 1.39) increase in odds of the teen having all recommended vaccines. Parental immunization attitudes and provider discussion about vaccines are key ingredients to improving immunization rates among adolescents. While some parents may be reluctant to immunize their son or daughter with a recommended vaccine, vaccine-specific discussions between physicians and parents represent an important first step to continued discussions with providers regarding vaccination. Moreover, vaccine discussions must occur within the context of ongoing conversations about health and disease prevention.

Inequalities in vaccination coverage for young females whose parents are informal caregivers

The effects of caregiver strain and stress on preventive health service utilization among adult family members are well-established, but the effects of informal caregiving on children of caregivers are unknown. We aimed to assess whether inequalities in vaccination coverage (specifically human papillomavirus [HPV] and influenza) exist for females aged 9 to 17 years whose parents are informal caregivers (i.e., care providers for family members or others who are not functionally independent) compared with females whose parents are not informal caregivers. Data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate overall and subgroup-specific HPV and influenza vaccination prevalence ratios (PRs) and corresponding 95% confidence limits (CL) comparing females whose parents were informal caregivers with females whose parents were not informal caregivers. Our unweighted study populations comprised 1645 and 1279 females aged 9 to 17 years for the HPV and influenza vaccination analyses, respectively. Overall, both HPV and influenza vaccination coverage were lower among females whose parents were informal caregivers (HPV: PR = 0.72, 95% CL: 0.53, 0.97; Influenza: PR = 0.89, 95% CL: 0.66, 1.2). Our results suggest consistently lower HPV and influenza vaccination coverage for young females whose parents are informal caregivers. Our study provides new evidence about the potential implications of caregiving on the utilization of preventive health services among children of caregivers.

Accuracy of parental reports of children's HPV vaccine status: implications for estimates of disparities, 2009-2010

OBJECTIVES

Since the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2006, there have been considerable efforts at the national and state levels to monitor uptake and better understand the individual and system-level factors that predict who gets vaccinated. A common method of measuring the vaccination status of adolescents is through parental recall. We examined how the accuracy of parents' reports of their daughters' HPV vaccination status varied by social characteristics.

METHODS

Data were taken from the 2009-2010 National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen, which includes a household interview and a provider-completed immunization history. We evaluated concordance between parents' and providers' reports of teens' HPV vaccine initiation (≥1 dose) and completion (≥3 doses). We assessed bivariate associations of sociodemographic characteristics with having a concordant, false-positive (overreporting) or false-negative (underreporting) report, and used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the independent impact of each characteristic.

RESULTS

In bivariate analyses, concordance of parent-reported HPV vaccine initiation was associated with each of the sociodemographic characteristics investigated. In regression models, self-reported nonwhite race, lower household income, and lower education level of the teen's mother were associated with a higher likelihood of having a false-negative parental report than a concordant report.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that, while estimates of overall coverage based on parental report may be unbiased, the differences in the accuracy of parental report could result in misleading estimates of disparities in HPV vaccine coverage.

Racial disparities in human papillomavirus vaccination: does access matter?

PURPOSE

To examine the association between race/ethnicity and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation and to determine how access to health care influences this relationship.

METHODS

We used nationally representative data from the National Survey of Family Growth to assess HPV vaccine initiation in 2,168 females aged 15-24 years. A series of regression analyses were performed to determine the independent effect of race/ethnicity on HPV vaccine initiation after controlling for sociodemographic variables and health care access measures. Age-stratified regression analyses were also performed to assess whether the relationship between race/ethnicity and HPV vaccine initiation differed among females aged 15-18 and 19-24 years.

RESULTS

There were significant racial/ethnic disparities in HPV vaccination; United States (US)-born Hispanics, foreign-born Hispanics, and African-Americans were less likely to have initiated vaccination than were whites (p < .001). Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics attenuated the disparity for both US-born and foreign-born Hispanics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], .76; 95% confidence interval [CI], .50-1.16; and AOR, .67; 95% CI, .37-1.19) but not for African-Americans (AOR, .47, 95% CI, .33-.66). Adding health care access measures further attenuated the disparity for US-born and foreign-born Hispanics (AOR, .85, 95% CI, .54-1.34; and AOR, .84, 95% CI, .45-1.55). However, African-Americans remained less likely than whites to have initiated vaccination (AOR, .49, 95% CI, .36-.68). These racial/ethnic trends were similar for females aged 15-18 and 19-24 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower rates of HPV vaccination among African-American females do not appear to be explained by differential access to health care. More research is necessary to elucidate factors contributing to HPV vaccination in this population.