RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the reasons why Barbadian mothers consented or did not consent for their pre-teen daughters to receive the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. DESIGN AND METHODS: Four focus groups, totaling 25 Barbadian mothers whose pre-teen daughters were eligible for the HPV vaccine during the 2013-2014 school year were conducted. The groups were homogenous with two groups consisting of mothers who consented, and two groups of mothers who did not consent. Each session was audio-recorded, and data were analyzed to examine emerging themes. RESULTS: A lack of information from the Ministry of Health and an inadequate time frame to make an informed decision were the most common reasons for parental non-consent to the HPV vaccine. Other reasons included: a fear of side-effects of the vaccine, a low perceived risk of persons within the 10 to 12 age group of contracting the HPV virus, negative advice (particularly from medical practitioners), and a lack of trust and confidence in the information provided by the Ministry of Health. The most common reasons for giving consent were: positive advice (especially from health care professionals), having had a past experience with the Human Papilloma Virus, a family history of cancer, or knowing someone diagnosed with a HPV infection or cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: There is a need for more public information in relation to the Human Papilloma Virus and the HPV vaccine. This will allow for informed decision making, which may contribute to an increased uptake of the HPV vaccine.
