Examining and exploring motivating factors for parents to accept the HPV vaccine for themselves and for their age-eligible children against HPV at dental clinics – mixed methods approach
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Dental hygienists and dentists possess the knowledge, skills, and resources to screen patients for HPV and discuss preventive measures. Conversations between patients and their trusted dental care providers can create opportunities for patients to follow through with their HPV vaccination schedule or even begin the vaccination process. This thesis study aims to examine the factors that may influence parents to receive the HPV vaccine for themselves and for their children at dental clinics, while also identifying the most effective strategies for dental care providers to communicate with patients about HPV and vaccination. This study was done through a mixed methods approach that involved qualitative interviewing subjects who participated in a prior sub-study and have completed a quantitative survey from a parent clinical trial study. Although interviewed participants expressed mixed opinions on getting the HPV vaccine at a dental clinic for themselves and for their children, all agreed that HPV and vaccinations was an important topic to discuss with dentists. All interviewed parents expressed interest in discussing HPV and vaccination with their dental care providers, believing it would encourage patients to consider the vaccine for themselves and for their children. Participants also recommended that dental providers promote discussions between patients and primary care providers to boost HPV awareness and vaccine uptake.
Description
2025
License
Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International