Parent attitudes about school requirements for human papillomavirus vaccine in high-risk communities of Los Angeles, California.

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization requirements for school entry could increase HPV vaccine uptake but are controversial. This study assessed parents' attitudes about HPV immunization requirements.

METHODS

During October 2007 to June 2008, we conducted telephone surveys with 484 parents of girls attending middle/high schools serving communities in Los Angeles County with elevated cervical cancer rates.

RESULTS

Parents were mostly Hispanic (81%) or African American (15%); 71% responded in Spanish. Many parents did not know if HPV vaccine works well (42%) or is unsafe (41%). Overall, 59% of parents agreed that laws requiring HPV vaccination for school attendance "are a good idea." In multivariable analysis, African Americans and Hispanics responding in English were less likely than Hispanics responding in Spanish to agree (aOR 0.1, 95% CI: 0.1-0.3; aOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.8, respectively). Parents were less likely to agree with these laws if they did not believe the vaccine works well (aOR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.5) but more likely to agree if they believed the vaccine is not "too new for laws like these" (aOR 4.5, 95% CI: 2.6-8.0). Agreement with laws increased to 92% when including agreement that "these laws are okay only if parents can opt out."

CONCLUSIONS

In this at-risk community, more than half of the parents agreed with HPV immunization requirements generally, and the vast majority agreed when including opt-out provisions.

IMPACT

Support for HPV vaccine requirements may depend on race/ethnicity and inclusion of opt-out provisions. Information about vaccine efficacy and safety may increase support and reduce uncertainty about HPV vaccine in high-risk populations.