Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Oncology nurses have a great opportunity to prevent cancer—not just treat it! Media outlets recently reported Michael Douglas’ diagnosis of throat cancer and his statement that human papillomavirus virus (HPV) infection caused his cancer. Oncology nurses can lead the way in efforts to protect the next generation from this type of cancer if they know the facts about HPV vaccination for both girls and boys.

PURPOSE: To identify predictors of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among rural African American families.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study in schools in three rural counties in southeastern United States. The sample consisted of African American parents or caregivers with children 9 to 13 years of age who attended elementary or middle school in 2010-2011.

Determine the predictors and correlates of HPV vaccination among girls and boys ages 9 to 13 living in rural Georgia to determine intervention points to increase HPV vaccination knowledge in areas where health disparities exist and HPV vaccine rates are extremely low.

Incidences of both human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related cancers are on the rise in men. However, vaccine uptake is low. Parental consent is required prior to receiving the HPV vaccine. This study examined parental perceptions of the HPV vaccine for boys through survey methods (N = 422) and focus groups (N = 45).

The purpose of the study was to examin parents' knowlege of HPV and predictors of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their sons ages 9 to 13.