CLINICAL QUESTION

What factors influence caregivers and adolescents regarding whether adolescents will receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER

Factors that influence caregivers and adolescents worldwide about adolescent receipt of the HPV vaccine fit into one of eight broad themes: (1) biomedical knowledge; (2) perceptions of the risks and benefits of HPV vaccination; (3) views of other vaccines or vaccination programs; (4) familial decision-making dynamics; (5) influence of social networks; (6) effect of cultural beliefs and practices; (7) level of trust in institutions or experts associated with vaccination; and (8) logistical concerns.¹

PRACTICE POINTERS

HPV vaccination of adolescents likely prevents cervical cancer in women and other HPV-associated diseases in people of any sex.² In the United States, despite a Healthy People 2030 goal of vaccinating more than 80% of adolescents, only 57.3% of patients aged 13 to 15 years received two or three doses of the HPV vaccine.³ US vaccination rates for other childhood vaccines remain higher than 90%.⁴ The authors of this Cochrane review sought to identify key factors to explain why some caregivers and adolescents may be less likely to accept the HPV vaccine.¹ This qualitative research synthesis can be used to develop more acceptable and effective interventions, ultimately increasing worldwide HPV vaccination of adolescents.