Increasing parental knowledge related to the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.

Cipriano, J. J., Scoloveno, R., & Kelly, A., (2018). Increasing parental knowledge related to the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 32(1), 29-35.

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to evaluate parental attitudes toward general vaccination protocols and increase parental knowledge of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. 

Methods: A non-probability convenience sample (N = 75) using a pre-/post-intervention study design was conducted in a pediatric office in southern New Jersey. The Parental Attitudes Module measured the general disposition toward having children receive any type of vaccine. The HPV Knowledge Survey was a second tool used to specifically measures knowledge of the HPV vaccine. A self-directed computer-based learning was part of the educational intervention. 

Results: A paired t test showed that HPV Knowledge Survey post-intervention scores were significantly higher than HPV Knowledge Survey pre-intervention scores (t = 10.585, p < .001). The Parental Attitudes Module and the HPV Knowledge Survey pretest showed a positive moderate relationship (rs = .552, p < .001). 

Discussion: In the 10 years since the HPV vaccine has been on the market, there is a continued need to increase parental knowledge about the HPV vaccine to close the gap on vaccine non-adherence. A self-directed, computer-based learning tablet appears to be an effective tool to educate parents or legal guardians about the purpose, efficacy, and safety of the HPV vaccine.

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