Taylor, Jaime L.Zimet, Greg D.Donahue, Kelly L.Alexander, Andreia B.Shew, Marcia L.Stupiansky, Nathan W.2016-06-162016-06-162014-12-26Taylor, J. L., Zimet, G. D., Donahue, K. L., Alexander, A. B., Shew, M. L., & Stupiansky, N. W. (2014). Vaccinating Sons against HPV: Results from a U.S. National Survey of Parents. PLoS ONE, 9(12), e115154. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0115154https://hdl.handle.net/1805/9993PURPOSE: 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.en-USPublisher PolicyAdolescentChildHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticePapillomavirus Infections -- Prevention & ControlPapillomavirus Infections -- PsychologyPapillomavirus Vaccines -- Administration & dosageParents -- PsychologySocioeconomic FactorsVaccination -- Statistics & numerical dataArticle