Awareness and knowledge of HPV,cervical cancer,and vaccines in young women after first delivery in São Paulo,Brazil - a cross-sectional study

Background  

The success of HPV vaccination programs will require awareness regarding HPV associated diseases and the benefits of HPV vaccination for the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer prevention, vaccines, and factors associated with HPV awareness among young women after birth of the first child.     

Opinions et pratiques des médecins généralistes face à la vaccination anti-Papillomavirus

Aims

The purpose of this study was to assess the standpoint of family physicians in the Southern French region Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur concerning human Papillomavirus vaccination and to evaluate the factors associated with a favorable standpoint.

Methodology

A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 1,000 family physicians. The survey focused on their profile, their views on vaccination generally and on HPV vaccination, their knowledge of HPV, their standpoint concerning STD prevention and cervical cancer screening. Multivariable linear regression system was used to study the variations associated with a favorable response to HPV vaccination.

Outcome

Response was 36.6%. The responses were analyzed taking into account gender of the family physicians, location and size of their practice. There was reasonable similarity amongst those questioned. Around 89.6% of family physicians answers were in favor of HPV. The ideal age for vaccination was between 11 and 13 years of age for 34.4% and between 14 and 15 for 53.9%. The family physicians most in favor of vaccination were those involved in screening for STDs, those who did not think that the vaccine would have a negative effect on the image of sexuality and on screening for cervical cancer, and those who were confident about the vaccine safety.

Conclusion

The study identified the negative elements concerning HPV in order to optimize information strategies among family physicians.     

Cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccination for prevention of cervical cancer in Taiwan

Background  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been shown to be a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Vaccines against HPV-16 and HPV-18 are highly effective in preventing type-specific HPV infections and related cervical lesions. There is, however, limited data available describing the health and economic impacts of HPV vaccination in Taiwan. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic HPV vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer in Taiwan.     

A semi-qualitative study of attitudes to vaccinating adolescents against human papillomavirus without parental consent

Background  

The first vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer has been licensed, and in future, vaccination may be routinely offered to 10–14 year old girls. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and some parents may refuse consent for vaccination. Under-16s in the UK have a right to confidential sexual health care without parental consent. We investigated parents' views on making available HPV vaccination to adolescent minors at sexual health clinics without parental consent.     

Drivers and barriers to acceptance of human-papillomavirus vaccination among young women: a qualitative and quantitative study

Background  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical dysplasia and cancer, and of genital warts. Few studies have examined attitudes to HPV vaccination since the introduction of HPV vaccines. We aimed to investigate the reasons for young women's acceptance or rejection of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine after its general availability in Denmark.     

HPV vaccination coverage within 3?years of program launching (2008–2011) at Geneva State, Switzerland

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the HPV vaccination coverage of 11?C19-year-old girls during a state-coordinated HPV vaccination program in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 2008 to June 2011.

Methods

State Medical Office coordinated the HPV vaccination program. Each service provider transmitted the list of the persons who had received their first, second, or third shot.

Results

The global coverage rates, 3?years after the program had been launched, were 63.72% for one dose, 63.22% for two doses, and 61.40% for three doses of the HPV vaccine.

Conclusion

This study shows that it is possible to obtain a good coverage rates after 3?years of a state-coordinated HPV vaccination program.     

Public knowledge and attitudes towards Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination

Background  

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has undergone successful trials and has recently been approved for use for the primary prevention of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination.     

Reasons for non-vaccination against HPV and future vaccination intentions among 19-26 year-old women

Background  

Despite CDC recommendations regarding universal catch-up vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), only about ten percent of young adult women in the United States have been vaccinated. The purpose of this study was to better understand reasons for non-vaccination among insured 19-26 year-old women and to evaluate future vaccination intentions.     

A generally applicable cost-effectiveness model for the evaluation of vaccines against cervical cancer

Objective  

This study aimed at evaluating the cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus virus (HPV) vaccination in France, using a generally applicable succinct cohort model.     

Wie entscheiden sich Schülerinnen für oder gegen eine HPV-Impfung?

Background

In 2007, the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination vaccination was introduced in Switzerland. The School Health Service offered a free vaccination program for all schoolgirls between the ages of 11 and 16 in the City of Zurich in 2008. The HPV vaccination is controversially discussed in Switzerland and is regarded as superfluous by critical parents.

Aim

The aim of this presented study was to determine, how schoolgirls between 13 and 15 decide whether or not to be vaccinated against HPV and which actors/agents are involved in the decision making process.

Results

The girls’ decision of whether or not to be vaccinated against HPV is mainly influenced by their parents, especially their mothers. They, on the other hand, are greatly influenced by their gynecologists or pediatricians. The study shows that the media, teachers and peers play a rather subordinate role. Overall, many influential/important actors are skeptical of the vaccination, but they rarely talk about their reasons. In order to increase acceptance, schools need to aim for a holistic approach that involves all actors in the decision making process.     

Improving HPV Vaccination Through a Diverse Multi-state Coalition

Purpose

Rural and highly religious Intermountain West states demonstrate low levels of HPV vaccination uptake. The Intermountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition (IWHVC) was formed to improve HPV vaccination by enhancing collaborations between cancer centers, health departments, health clinics, religious groups, and community organizations. Coalition members’ perceptions and experiences are described within.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to the IWHVC. N?=?86 responded to the online survey. Six subsequent focus groups were conducted (N?=?36). Participant demographics, barriers, and facilitators of HPV vaccination were summarized. The first three focus groups were coded in an iterative manner based on a coding scheme. The final three focus groups were selectively coded for content related to five themes: barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination, how the coalition has been useful, future directions of the coalition, and how to engage religious communities.

Results

Participants suggested that HPV vaccination should occur in a doctor’s office (70.9%), public health clinic (64.0%), or at a community health fair (58.1%). Perceived barriers included a lack of education/low knowledge about the HPV vaccine (55.8%), concerns about sexuality/promiscuity (44.2%), and not knowing the vaccine is recommended for boys (38.4%). Participants stressed the importance of gaining buy-in from religious leaders, and felt the coalition helped them advocate for HPV vaccination through networking, idea and information sharing, and voicing their community’s needs. Future goals emphasized targeted outreach, sustainable funding, expanded environmental scans, gaining religious support, and policy reforms.

Conclusions

Targeted coalition work builds community capacity and coordinates HPV vaccination efforts. A community driven coalition approach could help improve HPV vaccination in other rural and highly religious regions.

     

Vaccination against human papillomavirus in Switzerland: simulation of the impact on infection rates

Objectives  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection of particular interest because of its high prevalence rate and strong causal association with cervical cancer. Two prophylactic vaccines have been developed and different countries have made or will soon make recommendations for the vaccination of girls. Even if there is a consensus to recommend a vaccination before the beginning of sexual activity, there are, however, large discrepancies between countries concerning the perceived usefulness of a catch-up procedure and of boosters. The main objective of this article is to simulate the impact on different vaccination policies upon the mid- and long-term HPV 16/18 age-specific infection rates.     

A qualitative study of HPV vaccine acceptability among health workers, teachers, parents, female pupils, and religious leaders in northwest Tanzania

Background

As human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines become available in developing countries, acceptability studies can help to better understand potential barriers and facilitators of HPV vaccination and guide immunisation programs.

Methods

Prior to a cluster-randomised phase IV trial of HPV vaccination delivery strategies in Mwanza Region, Tanzania, qualitative research was conducted to assess attitudes and knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV, and acceptability of and potential barriers to HPV vaccination of Tanzanian primary schoolgirls. Semi-structured interviews (n = 31) and group discussions (n = 12) were conducted with a total of 169 respondents (parents, female pupils, teachers, health workers and religious leaders).

Results

While participants had heard of cancer in general, most respondents had no knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV, or HPV vaccines. Only health workers had heard of cervical cancer but very few knew its cause or had any awareness about HPV vaccines. After participants were provided with information about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, the majority stated that they would support HPV vaccination of their daughter to protect them against cervical cancer. Opt-out consent for vaccination was considered acceptable. Most preferred age-based vaccination, saying this would target more girls before sexual debut than class-based vaccination. Potential side effects and infertility concerns were raised by 5/14 of participating male teachers.

Discussion

Reported acceptability of HPV vaccination amongst parents, teachers and other community members was high in this population. Respondents stressed the need to provide adequate information about the vaccine to parents, that also addresses side effects and infertility concerns.     

Assessing knowledge of human papillomavirus and collecting data on sexual behavior: computer assisted telephone versus face to face interviews

Background  

Education campaigns seeking to raise awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and promoting HPV vaccination depend on accurate surveys of public awareness and knowledge of HPV and related sexual behavior. However, the most recent population-based studies have relied largely on computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) as opposed to face to face interviews (FTFI). It is currently unknown how these survey modes differ, and in particular whether they attract similar demographics and therefore lead to similar overall findings.     

A qualitative study to assess school nurses' views on vaccinating 12–13 year old school girls against human papillomavirus without parental consent

Background  

In the UK, parental consent for the routine vaccination of 12–13 year olds schoolgirls against human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended, although legally girls may be able to consent themselves. As part of a vaccine study conducted ahead of the National HPV Vaccine Programme we sought the views of school nurses on vaccinating girls who did not have parental consent.     

Parent report of provider HPV vaccine communication strategies used during a randomized,controlled trial of a provider communication intervention

Objective

To assess secondary, parent-reported outcomes from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a provider communication intervention aimed at improving adolescent HPV vaccination.

Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among male university students in the United Arab Emirates

Objective

To assess the knowledge about and acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among male university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

Between June and August 2012 we approached 356 male university students from the UAE and asked them to fill out a 12-item self-administered questionnaire.

Results

Knowledge of HPV was low among the university students who participated (32%). Less than half of the students (46%) indicated they would accept HPV vaccination, and around 30% were unsure of their decision. Safety (68%), protection of their female partner (65%) and doctor's recommendation (64%) were rated as the factors most likely to increase the uptake of HPV vaccination among participating students. The factors rated most likely to stop students from using the vaccine were fear of side effects (85%), absence of clear benefits (38%) and objections from a religious authority (25%). Marital status and sexual activity were associated with greater knowledge of HPV but not with greater acceptance of vaccination among university students in the UAE.

Conclusion

Overall acceptability of and knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination were low in a sample of male university students in the UAE. Marital status and sexual activity are associated with greater knowledge of HPV infection but have no effect on the acceptability of HPV vaccination.     

Role of men in promoting the uptake of HPV vaccinations: focus groups’ finding from a developing country

Objectives

Better outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination would be expected if men become full partners and advocates in vaccination initiative. Men involvement has important implication especially within the context that they are equally responsible for spreading the virus.

Methods

Twenty-seven men took part in four focus group discussions carried out to assess men’s attitudes toward the HPV vaccine between October and November 2007.

Results

The results revealed that men have low awareness about the newly release vaccine and minimal knowledge of HPV and its association with cervical cancer. When provided with information, most men were in favor of protecting their spouses, partners, or daughters from cervical cancer using the vaccine. They were aware of the effects of men’s risk behavioral patterns on women’s risk for acquiring HPV infections. Many needed assurance about the vaccine’s long-term safety and efficacy. They also expressed concern over the high cost of the vaccine. Men in this study played an influential role in the vaccination decision of their child and sexual partners. Many were in favor of male vaccination for cervical cancer prevention of their spouse or partner.

Conclusions

Vaccine advocacy should put special emphasis on men as sexual partners, husbands, and fathers from a gender equality and partnership perspective. The findings are useful in facilitating the development of strategies for effective immunization initiatives.