Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Completion Among Low-Income Latina/o Adolescents

Mary A. Gerend*, Yesenia P. Stephens, Michelle M. Kazmer, Elizabeth H. Slate, Elena Reyes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to identify individual and interpersonal factors associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series completion in a sample of low-income Latina/o adolescent girls and boys. Methods: Caregiver–adolescent dyads (N = 161) were recruited from a rural Federally Qualified Health Center in southwest Florida when the adolescent (aged 11–17 years) received the first dose of HPV vaccine. Dyads completed a baseline assessment that measured demographic and cultural characteristics, past medical history, provider–patient communication, HPV knowledge, health beliefs about completing the series, and the adolescent's experience receiving the first dose. Using multivariable logistic regression, we identified caregiver- and adolescent-related factors associated with series completion (receipt of three doses of HPV vaccine within 1 year of initiation) as indicated in the adolescent's medical record and state immunization registry. Results: Within 1 year of initiation, 57% (n = 92) completed the three-dose series. Missed opportunities for completion were observed for 20% of the sample who returned to the clinic. Caregiver-related predictors of completion included education, self-efficacy to complete the series, and knowledge of the required number of doses. Adolescent-related predictors included age, influenza vaccination within the past 2 years, having a chronic medical condition, reason for the baseline visit, and receipt of written information about HPV vaccination from a health care provider. Conclusions: Findings highlight important opportunities for improving completion of the HPV vaccine series among Latina/o adolescents. Intervention efforts should involve health care providers and parent–adolescent dyads and prioritize evidence-based strategies for reducing missed opportunities for series completion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)753-762
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Adolescent Health
Volume64
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2019

Funding

This research was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH; award number R21CA178592 ). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Hispanic Americans
  • Papillomavirus vaccines
  • Psychosocial factors
  • Vulnerable populations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Completion Among Low-Income Latina/o Adolescents'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this