Date of Conferral

1-2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jennifer Rothamel

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections account for most oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers among men. Two vaccines have been recommended for boys 11 years of age or older to prevent HPV infection, but HPV vaccination rates are far below the Healthy People 2030 target goal. Some research indicates the role of the parent is vital in HPV vaccine uptake, but to what extent is unclear. Through quantitative secondary data analysis of the National Immunization Survey-Teen 2016 (NIS-Teen) data set (n = 43,271) that was grounded in the health belief model, chi-square, and logistic regression analyses revealed three key findings. First, male adolescents whose mother was never married/widowed/divorced/separated/deceased/living with partner had higher odds of receiving HPV vaccines (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.08 – 1.49, p = 0.003) than male adolescents with married mothers. Second, the association between maternal education level, poverty status of family, and HPV vaccination uptake by male adolescents was not statistically significant, and third, male adolescents whose parents had a positive attitude toward receiving vaccines had nearly 20 times higher odds of uptake of HPV vaccines compared to their counterparts whose parents had never taken them to receive tetanus booster shots, even after controlling for the marital status of mother and healthcare provider recommendation (OR: 1.42 vs. 0.07). The evidence presented in this study could be used to enhance educational programs for parents of male adolescents and healthcare workers, ultimately making a positive impact on social change by improving vaccination rates, increasing prevention of HPV, and reducing the overall incidence of HPV-related cancers in the United States.

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