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

Abstract

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.