Publication

Factors associated with human papillomavirus vaccination among diverse adolescents in a region with low human papillomavirus vaccination rates

Authored by:

Kepka D, Bodson J, Lai D, et al.

Full Citation:

Kepka D, Bodson J, Lai D, et al. 2018. Factors associated with human papillomavirus vaccination among diverse adolescents in a region with low human papillomavirus vaccination rates. Health Equity. 2(1).

View Publication

Additional key concepts from this publication:

Inequities exist in marginalized populations and minority groups who may have poorer access to health services, including immunizations.

Key Evidence: A study among parents from diverse minority groups in Utah, U.S. — two-thirds of whom were born outside of the U.S. — found extremely low rates of HPV vaccination among their adolescent children. Only 20% had vaccinated at least one child with one or more doses of HPV vaccine compared to 60% nationally. A larger percent of the unvaccinated were from certain minority groups, had lower household income and educational levels, and cited a lack of knowledge about the vaccine, its cost and concerns about side effects as major reasons for not vaccinating. The study points to the need for community approaches to HPV education for a diverse set of caregivers.