An Educational Intervention to Improve HPV Vaccination: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted infection with serious health implications.
• Despite the availability of effective HPV vaccines, vaccination rates remain suboptimal.
• Targeting parents of adolescents is crucial for improving HPV vaccination coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a digital video intervention aimed at parents to increase HPV vaccination rates among adolescents.
• To assess the impact of an in-clinic educational video on HPV vaccine uptake in a pediatric setting.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized trial was conducted in pediatric clinics within an urban health system.
• Parents of adolescents (11-17 years) eligible for HPV vaccination watched a digital video detailing vaccine risks and benefits.
• The primary outcome was the change in HPV vaccine status 2 weeks post-visit, analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Main Results:

• Adolescents attending clinics with the video intervention showed a higher proportion with a change in vaccine status (64.8% vs 50.1%).
• Adolescents whose parents viewed the video had significantly greater odds of receiving an HPV vaccine dose (78.0% vs. control).
• The intervention demonstrated an odds ratio of 3.07 for HPV vaccination (P = .003).

Conclusions:

• Educational interventions delivered in clinical settings can effectively improve vaccination behaviors.
• Digital video interventions are a promising strategy to enhance HPV vaccine uptake in adolescents.
• Targeting parents through accessible educational tools in pediatric clinics can positively influence adolescent vaccination decisions.