Question

ARTICLE: Hansen CE, Credle M, Shapiro ED, Niccolai LM. "It All Depends": A Qualitative Study of Parents' Views of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for their Adolescents at Ages 11-12 years.

1. What sampling strategy was employed? Strengths and Limitation?

2. How did this strategy relate to the purpose of the study?

3. Describe the types of questions included in the assessment. Is there sufficient information presented here on the interview guide?

4. What themes were identified?

Answer 1

1. Cluster sampling was used in this study. Cluster sampling is a good alternative to simple random sampling, especially where a study takes place over a wide geographical region. Disadvantages include an increased risk of bias, if the chosen clusters are not representative of the population, resulting in an increased sampling error.
2. In the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents or guardians whose adolescents received care at an urban, hospital-based primary care practice. This aligned with the aim of the study as the researchers wanted the reasons to understand why parents may accept or refuse HPV vaccine for their children.
3. In my view, sufficient information has not been shared about the interview guide.
4. Two major themes were identified in the study: Positive support for HPV vaccine at 11-12 years and HPV vaccine viewed by parents as a “teen vaccine,” and many coupled the need for vaccination with sexual activity.