Skip to main content
Contribution to Book
United States: Sexual Behavior in Association with Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination in Young Girls
Adolescence and Sexuality: International Perspectives
  • Wafa R.R. Al Romaih, University of Kentucky
  • Said Shahtahmasebi, University of Kentucky
  • Hatim A. Omar, University of Kentucky
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 preadolescents 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
Book Chapter
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Disciplines
Notes/Citation Information

Published in Adolescence and Sexuality: International Perspectives, Joav Merrick, Ariel Tenenbaum & Hatim A. Omar (Eds.), p. 177-183.

©2014 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

The copyright holder has granted permission for posting the chapter here.

Citation Information
Wafa R.R. Al Romaih, Said Shahtahmasebi and Hatim A. Omar. "United States: Sexual Behavior in Association with Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination in Young Girls" Adolescence and Sexuality: International Perspectives (2014) p. 177 - 183
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hatim_omar/186/