Provider recommendations for human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) among adolescent males in Southwest Georgia counties and the associated HPV prevalence in this population

The study examines variation of providers’ behavior in recommending the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to young male adolescents (aged 11-12), middle male adolescents (aged 13-17) and late male adolescents (aged 18-26) in Southwest (SW) Georgia. Upon IRB approval, secondary data were obtained from Albany Area Primary Care for a paper-based survey that was conducted in 2014 using a representative random sample of family physicians (n=12), pediatricians (n=6), and nurse practitioners (n=33). The survey had a response rate of 76% and the researcher used descriptive statistics, t tests and ANOVA to describe the pediatricians’ (Peds), nurse practitioners’ (NPs), and family physicians’ (FPs) recommendations to HPV vaccinations in SW GA. Statistical  analysis show barriers such as healthcare providers’ and parents’ discomfort with the vaccination of pre-teens when it concerns a sexually transmitted disease, lack of awareness to the role that males play in the spread of HPV, absence of government mandates, and non-completion of the three-dose series of vaccination due to financial or logistical reasons. Provider specialty, age, ethnicity, and reported barriers were significantly associated with recommendations and association to HPV prevalence. Policy level intervention, perceived barriers and support to HPV vaccination to providers may drive decisions about HPV vaccine uptake and completion of vaccination series.