title: Vaccinating sons against HPV: results from a U.S. national survey of parents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The quadrivalent HPV vaccination was approved for use in males ages 9 to 26 in 2009 and recommended for routine administration in 2011. The purpose of this study was to uncover predictable commonalities amongst parents who chose to vaccinate their 11-17 year old sons against HPV.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compiled data from a U.S. national sample of 779 parents with sons 11-17 years old using a web-based survey to gather information about behavioral and sociodemographic factors which predicted receipt of 1 or more HPV vaccine doses based on parental report. Predictors were first modeled individually for univariable associations. Significant predictors (p<0.10) were combined in a multivariable model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the adjusted model, independent predictors included receipt of flu vaccination, health insurance coverage and sexual health topic discussions with sons. Sons who had received a flu shot in the last two years more frequently received at least one dose of the vaccine (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.45-2.26). Sons covered by private health insurance had decreased odds of HPV vaccination (OR 0.56 95% CI 0.37-0.83). Lastly, parents who had discussed sexual health topics with their sons were more likely to vaccinate (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.37-1.89).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Male vaccination rates in the U.S. have increased, but males continue to be under-immunized. Utilization of health care is an important factor in HPV vaccine uptake; therefore, health care providers should use every contact as an opportunity to vaccinate. Communication about sexual health topics may provide a forum for parents and health care providers to have conversations about HPV vaccination as those more comfortable discussing these topics may also be more comfortable discussing HPV vaccination.
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Jaime L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Greg D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Zimet
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Kelly L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Donahue
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Andreia B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Marcia L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Shew
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Nathan W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Stupiansky
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines