A teachable moment: What drives mothers’ intentions to use the HPV vaccination as a chance to talk about sex?

• In Event: Parent-Child Communication about Health

Abstract

Parent-child communication about sex is a way to protect girls and female adolescent from engaging in risky behavior. This study examines mothers’ intentions to talk about sex in conjunction with the HPV vaccination of daughters ages 9-15. The Theory of Planned Behavior provided the framework for this research. A random sample of mothers was surveyed. Mothers’ intentions were driven by attitudes, subjective norms, and the age at which they intended to vaccinate.

Authors

• Natoshia Askelson, University of Iowa

• Shelly Campo, University of Iowa

• Sandi Smith, Michigan State University

• John B. Lowe, University of Sunshine Coast

• Leslie Dennis, University of Iowa

• Julie Andsager, University of Iowa