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Why Gardasil? Understanding decisions for vaccination

Resource type
Thesis type
(Thesis) M.A.
Date created
2010-10-08
Authors/Contributors
Author (aut): Genus, Sandalia
Abstract
This thesis describes how university students, aged 19 to 30, come to see the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil as a worthwhile investment for their health. First, the science behind Gardasil and the social, political, and economic impacts of the vaccine in Canada are explored. Then, drawing on semi-structured interviews and a focus group with students and health care practitioners, I find risk is communicated through various discourses surrounding Gardasil. Once participants learn they are at risk for HPV and cervical cancer, they view their health as at risk through unsafe sexual practices. Ultimately, some participants express a need to practice ‘safe’ sex and access preventative health care, including vaccination with Gardasil. Gardasil is framed as an individual choice and a way to obtain empowerment for young women. Yet, decisions for vaccination related more to the influence of risk discourse and the encouragement of kin, peers and health care providers.
Document
Identifier
etd6319
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Permissions
The author granted permission for the file to be printed and for the text to be copied and pasted.
Scholarly level
Supervisor or Senior Supervisor
Thesis advisor (ths): Pigg, Stacy
Member of collection
Download file Size
etd6319_SGenus.pdf 1.07 MB

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