Perspectives on Decision Making About Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among 11- to 12-Year-Old Girls and Their Mothers

Abstract

Introduction. The aims of this qualitative study were to explore ( a) the factors influencing mothers’ decisions to vaccinate 11- to 12-year-old daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) and ( b) the mothers’ and daughters’ perspectives about HPV vaccine–related decision making. Methods. Participants were girls ( N = 33) who had received an HPV vaccine and their mothers ( N = 32), recruited from suburban and urban pediatric practices. Semistructured interviews were conducted with girls and mothers separately, and data were analyzed using framework analysis. Results. The primary factors influencing mothers’ decisions to vaccinate daughters against HPV were ( a) mother’s beliefs and experiences; ( b) interactions with clinicians, friends, and family members; and ( c) exposure to media reports/marketing. Most daughters believed the decision to be vaccinated was a mutual one, although most mothers believed the decision was theirs. Conclusions. This study provides novel insights into perspectives on decision making about HPV vaccination among mothers and 11- to12-year-old daughters, which can be used in interventions to improve vaccination rates.