Abstract
Parent-child communication about sex is a way to protect adolescents from engaging in risky behavior. The human papillomavirus vaccine provides mothers with a teachable moment to communicate about sex. This study examines mothers' intentions to talk about sex in conjunction with the vaccination of daughters ages 9 to 15 years, using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework. A random sample of mothers was surveyed (N = 217). Findings indicated that mothers' intentions were driven by attitudes, subjective norms, and the age at which they intended to vaccinate. Efforts to encourage vaccination should concentrate on strengthening mothers' attitudes about the value of talking about sex and highlight referent persons who support communication about sex.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 162-170 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatric Health Care |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- HPV vaccine
- Parent-child communication
- Sexuality education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health