Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PhD)

Department

Center for Psychological Studies

First Advisor

Ana I Fins

Second Advisor

Christian DeLucia

Third Advisor

Diana Formoso

Keywords

Acculturation, Hispanic, HPV, Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine, Latino, Parental Acceptability

Abstract

This study examined parental acceptability of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination among Latino parents. The role that acculturation may play in Latino parents' acceptability of the vaccine was also examined. A survey conceptualized using the Health Belief Model and two acculturation measures were administered to participants (N = 130). Approximately 70% of parents endorsed that they would vaccinate their daughters with the HPV vaccine. A regression analysis revealed that perception of susceptibility, perception of seriousness, perception of benefit, and cues to action significantly predicted parental acceptability, with 57% of the variance accounted by these variables. Acculturation was not a significant predictor of parental acceptability. These results indicate that a large proportion of Latino parents are likely to accept the HPV vaccine and that certain Health Belief Model constructs may predict acceptability in this population. It is important for healthcare providers to understand what factors may predict Latino parents' acceptability to the HPV vaccine given the high rates of cervical cancer among Latina women. Recommendations for future research in this area are provided.

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