Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

1041

Date

2014-04-21

Document Type

Dissertation (Campus Access Only)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Communication

Committee Chair

Amanda J Young

Committee Member

Craig O Stewart

Committee Member

Gray Matthews

Committee Member

Marian Levy

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to learn more about the communication barriers and strategies reported by parents of pediatric patients and healthcare providers regarding vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Participants in this study were parents of pediatric patients and pediatric healthcare providers at two health facilities in a rural, southern, religious community. My research questions sought to understand the communication barriers and communication strategies that could impact vaccine decision-making, not the decision-making process. I held preliminary informal interviews with providers; conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents and providers; and took extensive field notes. The data presented five types of communication barriers: comfort with the discourse, education, perceived risk, religion, and vaccine acceptance. Three communication strategies were found: collaborating, framing, and relationship building. My recommendations include the following: the relationship between parent and provider should be enhanced; both parties should listen intently; providers should work to understand the communication barriers presented by parents; and providers should develop frames, specifically stories used to explain and elicit vaccination.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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