Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jacqueline Fraser

Abstract

Hispanic Americans experience a disparate burden of human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV)-related cancers. Despite vaccine availability, HPV vaccine uptake amid Hispanic American adolescent males in the United States is under the national goal. Furthermore, childhood vaccination compliance is driven by the parents; yet, there is little research on parents' perceptions of HPV vaccination of male children. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the attitudes, beliefs, concerns, and decision- making factors of Hispanic American parents of male children aged 11- to 13- years-old surrounding HPV vaccination. The health belief model provided the framework for the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 participants in a rural county in Colorado in which Hispanic Americans had a higher rate of reportable sexually transmitted infections than non-Hispanics. Data analysis included descriptive coding to summarize and synthesize the interview results. The results showed Hispanic parents had a positive attitude toward HPV vaccination, and parents believed that the vaccination would protect their child. Most of the parents were aware of the HPV vaccine. The parents believed in healthcare providers and would accept the vaccine if it was recommended by them. Despite several parents having concerns about HPV vaccinations, they still claimed they would vaccinate their child. The findings from the study can be used to inform educational offerings regarding HPV vaccination for Hispanic American boys.

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