Description
Background: Human Papillomavirus infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration recommends completing the HPV vaccine series to prevent an HPV infection. Compared with research on vaccination among females, less is known regarding the factors associated with males’ HPV vaccine series completion. Previous research on teen males has concluded that physician recommendations and health insurance status contribute to increased vaccination rates for other types of diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the following factors associated with HPV vaccination among males: 1) attendance of the 11-12 year-old well- child exam, 2) receiving a HPV vaccine recommendation from a physician, and 3) teen health insurance status. We assessed these factors in relation to receiving at least one dose as well as the complete HPV vaccination series. Methods: Data were from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2015-2016 National Immunization Survey – Teen, including teen males ages 13-17. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the demographic and vaccine uptake variables including: age, race/ethnicity, attendance of the 11-12 year-old well-child exam, health insurance status, receipt of HPV vaccine recommendation, and number of HPV vaccine doses received. Chi- Square analyses were used to assess the relation between the following factors and HPV vaccination: attendance of the 11-12 year old well child exam, receipt of a physician recommendation, and health insurance status. The two primary outcomes included receipt of at least one dose of HPV vaccine and completion of the HPV vaccine series. Results: We found a strong relationship between the attendance of the 11-12 year old well-child visit and both initiation and completion of the recommended dosages of the HPV vaccine (p<.0001) among teen males. The study also found that insurance coverage and physician recommendation to receive the HPV vaccination were associated with the initiation and completion of the HPV vaccine series (p values<.0001) among teen males. Conclusion: This current study suggests that the 11-12 year-old well-child exam, physician recommendation, and insurance status are each important for initiating and completing the HPV vaccine series.
