Abstract
The first human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine was approved in the United States in 2006 with the potential to reduce cervical cancer and genital warts. Since then, its efficacy in preventing HPV-related cancers in both males and females has been promising. Despite CDC recommendations, opponents of the vaccine assert that vaccinating pre-adolescents and adolescents will increase their sexual activity, as well as overtly condone risky sexual behavior. We analyzed clinic data of 499 adolescents with a mean age of 16 years to explore whether vaccination led to change in sexual behavior after one year. Our results showed no statistically significant difference in either initiation of sexual activity or change in sexual behavior when compared to peers, therefore refuting the assertion that this method of preventative healthcare promotes promiscuity. Thus, we conclude that teenage sexual behavior is linked more closely to ethics, morality, and other socio-cultural phenomena rather than HPV vaccine itself.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2011
Repository Citation
Al Romaih, Wafa R.R.; Srinivas, Archana; Shahtahmasebi, Said; and Omar, Hatim A., "No Significant Change in Sexual Behavior in Association with Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination in Young Girls" (2011). Pediatrics Faculty Publications. 132.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/pediatrics_facpub/132
Notes/Citation Information
Published in International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health, v. 4, no. 4, p. 351-355.
© Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
The copyright holder has granted permission for posting the chapter here.
Reprinted as a book chapter in Child and Adolescent Health Yearbook 2011. Joav Merrick, (Ed.). p. 399-404.