Decision-making process and support needs regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine in Japan: a qualitative interview study with mothers

A qualitative interview study of 15 Japanese mothers found that decisions about human papillomavirus vaccination for their eligible daughters involved recurring emotional fluctuations and conflicts, with information and support needs changing as each mother approached a decision. The study, summarized in the supplied abstract, focused on 17 daughters aged 12–20 years who were eligible for vaccination.

Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with the mothers and analyzed the accounts using thematic analysis. They extracted 41 concept codes and 15 categories, then organized the findings into four themes: facilitators of decision-making, inhibitors of decision-making, fluctuations in the decision-making process, and support that mothers need.

According to the abstract, mothers repeatedly felt anxious and reassured while weighing their expectations against their concerns and trying to reach what they considered a satisfactory decision. Their information and support needs varied across the decision-making process and depended on individual concerns and readiness to decide. The authors therefore proposed that support should respond to each mother’s concerns and needs throughout the process. They also identified interprofessional collaboration as potentially important for providing appropriate information and support.

The findings may help guide the development of more tailored support for HPV vaccination decision-making in Japan. The evidence is qualitative and based on interviews with a small group of mothers; it describes experiences within this study population but does not quantify how common those experiences are or establish that a particular support intervention is effective. Only the abstract and related article information were supplied, so the available evidence does not support a detailed assessment of the full methods, participant characteristics, limitations, or the complete analysis.

Subject of Research: HPV vaccination decision-making and support needs among Japanese mothers with eligible daughters

Article Title: Decision-making process and support needs regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine in Japan: a qualitative interview study with mothers

Article References: Funaki, T., & Kusuki, I. (2026). Decision-making process and support needs regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine in Japan: a qualitative interview study with mothers. BMC Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-29923-4

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-29923-4

Keywords: HPV vaccination, Japan, mothers, adolescent health, qualitative interviews, thematic analysis, decision-making, parental consent, health communication, public health, process, support