Human papillomavirus vaccine decision-making in Da Nang, Vietnam: perceived spousal and adolescent-parent concordance.

This descriptive study examined parents' perceptions of the role of mothers, fathers, and daughters in the decision to have their daughter receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine; perceived concordance between spouses and between parents and daughters; and the relationships between vaccine decision-making and (1) who takes the daughter to the doctor, and (2) the daughter's age. Health care workers (N=139) with a daughter 9-21 years old completed a self-administered questionnaire including demographic and HPV vaccine-related questions. Health care workers were employed by Da Nang General Hospital or the Da Nang Center for Reproductive Health Care in Vietnam. Most (73%) parents favored having their daughter receive the HPV vaccine and 84% would consult their spouse about having their daughter vaccinated. Sixty-six percent of parents believed that HPV vaccination should be a joint decision involving both parents and the daughter. Parents perceived concordance between themselves and their spouse, with 91% agreement between their own decision and what they thought their spouse would decide; less concordance (77%) was observed between themselves and what they thought their daughter would want. Most (87% of mothers and 62% of fathers) would consider his/her spouse's opinion in the decision regarding HPV vaccination when accompanying the daughter to a health care visit in the absence of the spouse. Perceived spousal concordance was 94% for parents of daughters under the age of consent in Vietnam (16 years). Decisions regarding HPV vaccination will likely be made jointly by parents and adolescents. Educating fathers about HPV vaccination may be important.

Attitudes of mothers in Da Nang, Vietnam toward a human papillomavirus vaccine.

PURPOSE: To describe attitudes and acceptability toward a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among mothers in Da Nang, Vietnam and examine factors that may influence HPV vaccine uptake. METHODS: Women who were the primary caregiver of a girl 10-18 years old ("mothers") were eligible to participate. Mothers were recruited face-to-face from Da Nang General Hospital. Participants completed a survey addressing general vaccine attitudes, attitudes toward an HPV vaccine, beliefs about sexuality, recommendations from others, and likelihood of having their daughter vaccinated against HPV. A total of 194 surveys were returned; 181 (93%) contained analyzable data. RESULTS: Eleven percent of mothers were aware of an HPV vaccine. Ninety-four percent believed that the HPV vaccine will be effective and 90% disagreed that their daughter would have sex early if she was vaccinated. Beliefs regarding premarital sex, such as "girls who have sex before marriage are not respected" and "it would be hard to find a husband" were held by 76% and 62% of mothers, respectively. Despite this, over 90% were in favor of their daughter receiving the HPV vaccine. Ninety-five percent indicated that a recommendation from their doctor would be very important in their decision-making, and 78% indicated that the media would be very important. CONCLUSIONS: Initial responses to the HPV vaccine for girls in Vietnam appear favorable. Beliefs regarding negative social consequences for girls who engage in premarital sex are prevalent but unassociated with HPV vaccine acceptability. Accurate and consistent recommendations from doctors and media sources will be important for vaccination efforts.