Mayo Clinic researchers conducted a study on 9,242 adolescents to determine the effects of interventions on both parents and healthcare providers on HPV vaccination rates for adolescents. The study was undertaken in response to the existing sub-optimal HPV vaccination rates among teenagers and young adults.
"Our study investigated both parent- and provider-facing interventions. By targeting parents and providers, we achieved much higher improvements in HPV vaccine uptake than the use of these strategies in isolation.", said Lila Rutten.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes viral infections. HPV causes a number of health complications including cancers of the anus, cervix, mouth, or throat. It often goes undetected in teens and young adults for years before becoming serious. A group of Mayo Clinic researchers conducted a study on the effects of various kinds of intervention to raise awareness for HPV and increase HPV vaccinations among adolescents.
Researchers used a strategy of mailing reminders to parents about HPV vaccinations while also giving healthcare providers instruction on HPV vaccination administration. This multifaceted approach saw success in increasing vaccination rates among young adults. The study involved 9,242 adolescents. With the approach of reminding both parents and providers to vaccinate, 39.7% of the adolescents received HPV vaccination. Without the reminders, only 21.9% received the HPV vaccinations.
The results demonstrate a significant improvement; however, there are still areas where efforts could be increased. HPV vaccination rates for teens and young adults are not optimal at the moment.
