The Birds, the Bees, and the HPVs: What Drives Mothers' Intentions to Use the HPV Vaccination as a Chance to Talk About Sex?

Natoshia M. Askelson, Shelly Campo, Sandi Smith, John B. Lowe, Leslie K. Dennis, Julie Andsager

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)162-170
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Pediatric Health Care
Volume25
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • HPV vaccine
  • Parent-child communication
  • Sexuality education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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