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Objective. To evaluate the impact of a client-centered behavioral intervention (Brief Negotiated Interviewing) on mothers’ human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine knowledge and vaccination initiation for their adolescent daughters. Methods. We randomized mothers to intervention (n = 100) and control (n = 100) groups, and followed them over 12 months. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine vaccination status. The primary outcome was receipt of the first vaccine. The secondary outcome was HPV vaccine knowledge among mothers. Results. Brief Negotiated Interviewing intervention mothers demonstrated increased knowledge about HPV (pre/post mean score of 5 to 10 out of a possible 11; P < .001) and significantly higher mean knowledge scores (10 vs 6, P < .001) than control mothers. However, initiation and completion rates of the vaccine were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions. Increasing HPV vaccine knowledge did not translate into increased vaccine uptake or completion of vaccination series. Future intervention must explore vaccine reminders to increase HPV vaccination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are caused by inherent deficits in immune defenses that result in abnormal susceptibility to infection. In most cases, early and appropriate diagnosis can improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate understanding, recognition, and diagnosis of PIDD among pediatricians. Methods. A mail survey sent to a sample of pediatricians obtained from the American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association. Results were compared with a similar survey of specialists who are members of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. Results. More than a third (35%) of pediatricians were uncomfortable with the recognition and diagnosis of PIDD despite 95% having ordered screening tests or referring patients to specialists to be evaluated for PIDD, and 77% having followed at leastone patient with PIDD. In all, 84% of pediatricians were unaware that professional guidelines for PIDD exist. Conclusions. Patients with PIDD would benefit from improved recognition of the diseases by pediatricians in order to facilitate earlier diagnosis and optimize ongoing therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study investigating implications for engaging minority parents in weight-related discussions. It used identical survey components comparing Latino and African American samples. It reveals higher risk of misperceiving obese child's weight among low-income Latino parents as compared to low-income African American parents.

The article discusses a study on the association between Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) and Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) among children referred by pediatricians and clinics who did not participate in health department contact investigations. Topics discussed include an evaluation if IGRA results in children being seen for suspected latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and the option of a tiered approach for immunocompetent children with positive TSTs and an IGRA.