Knowledge,attitude, and perception regarding HPV-related diseases and vaccination among the general public in Guizhou Province of China

BackgroundThe rising prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) type-related diseases pose an ongoing health challenge in China. In this study, we assessed the current views of the general public of the Guizhou Province on HPV and HPV vaccinations to provide recommendations for future directions regarding the rollout of HPV vaccination in the area.MethodsAn online questionnaire survey was conducted that included 3412 (2532 females and 880 males) native adult residents of the Guizhou Province. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV, and perceptions of HPV vaccinations were collected. Data comparisons were made between students and non-students and between participants with and without medical backgrounds. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0.ResultsThe self-reported HPV infection rates were 5.85% in women and 0.86% in men. A total of 46.29% of women and 34.43% of men achieved acceptable knowledge levels of HPV and 47.54% of women possessed an acceptable knowledge level of HPV vaccines. Non-students and medical participants performed significantly better in the knowledge tests than their respective opposing groups. Online media was the most popular HPV information source for all the participants. A total of 93.58% of women and 87.88% of men expressed willingness toward HPV vaccination. The major facilitators of vaccination acceptance were females (OR = 1.932, 95% CI: 1.390–2.685, p < 0.001) or students (OR = 2.276, 95% CI: 1.207–4.291, p = 0.011), and participants with higher HPV knowledge level (OR = 1.796, 95% CI: 1.300–2.481, p < 0.001). Ages 41–50 (OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.121–0.538, p = 0.001) or > 50 (OR = 0.141, 95% CI: 0.059–0.337, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of a negative attitude towards HPV vaccination.ConclusionGuizhou residents had poor knowledge of HPV-related issues. The percentage of healthcare workers who achieved acceptable knowledge levels was one-half or less. The increasing HPV prevalence and cervical cancer incidence can be contained if more affordable vaccines are developed and the low knowledge levels pervading young adults and medical staff is eliminated.     

Awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination among adults ages 27–45 years

ObjectiveRecent guidelines indicate adults 27–45 years old can receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine based on a shared-decision with their healthcare provider. With this expansion in recommendations, there is a need to examine the awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination among this age group for cancer prevention.MethodsHINTS-5 Cycle-2 is a national survey of US adults, and was restricted to a complete case analysis of adults ages 27–45 years (N = 725). Sociodemographic, healthcare, and health information correlates were assessed for the outcomes of HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer, and knowledge of HPV and non-cervical cancers. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were conducted.ResultsMost respondents were aware of HPV (72.9%) and HPV vaccination (67.1%). Respondents were more likely to be aware of HPV and HPV vaccination if they were female, had a higher level of education, and had previous cancer information seeking behaviors. Although there was widespread knowledge of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer (79.6%), knowledge of HPV as a cause of non-cervical cancers was reported by a minority of respondents (36.1%). College education was positively associated with cervical cancer knowledge (aOR = 4.62; 95%CI: 1.81–11.78); however, no significant correlates were identified for non-cervical HPV associated cancer knowledge.ConclusionWhile more than half of adults ages 27–45 years are aware of HPV and HPV vaccination, there are opportunities to improve awareness and knowledge, particularly related to non-cervical cancers, as these are critical first steps toward shared decision-making for HPV vaccination in mid-adulthood.     

Health care provider knowledge around shared clinical decision-making regarding HPV vaccination of adults aged 27–45 years in the United States

BackgroundThe Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) regarding HPV vaccination for adults aged 27–45 years who are not adequately vaccinated. The objective of this survey was to understand physician knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV vaccination in this age group.MethodsAn online survey was administered in June 2021 to physicians who reported practicing internal medicine, family medicine, or obstetrics and gynecology (targeted N = 250 in each practice specialty), selected randomly from potentially eligible physicians from a panel of 2 million U.S. health care providers.ResultsIn total, 753 physicians participated in the survey: 33.3% practiced internal medicine, 33.1% practiced family medicine, and 33.6% practiced obstetrics/gynecology; 62.5% were male and mean physician age was 52.7 years. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, at least a third of participating physicians in each practice specialty reported having more HPV vaccine SCDM discussions with patients aged 27–45 years in the past 12 months. While a majority of physicians (79.7%) reported being aware of the SCDM recommendation for adults in this age group, only half of physicians answered an objective knowledge question about SCDM recommendations correctly.ConclusionsFindings suggest that there are physician knowledge gaps related to SCDM for HPV vaccination. To improve access to HPV vaccination for people most likely to benefit, increasing availability and use of decision aids to support SCDM discussions might help healthcare providers and patients jointly make the most informed decisions about HPV vaccination.     

HPV vaccine acceptance among adolescent males and their parents in two suburban pediatric practices

PurposeTo measure HPV vaccine acceptance among unvaccinated adolescent males and parents and correlate acceptance with knowledge, awareness, and personal experience.MethodsAdolescent males ages 11–21 years old and their parents completed questionnaires measuring attitudes and knowledge about HPV vaccination and personal experience. Acceptance was defined as wanting the vaccine and conditional acceptance as wanting the vaccine if it would protect against genital warts or cervical cancer.ResultsAdolescent (n = 154) and parent (n = 121) vaccine acceptance was low (16% and 34%, respectively); however, conditional acceptance was higher. While adolescents had similar conditional acceptance for a vaccine against genital warts and cervical cancer, parents reported higher conditional acceptance for protection against genital warts. Independent predictors of acceptance included personal experience and demographic variables.ConclusionsHPV vaccine acceptance among adolescents and parents was low. Conditional acceptance levels highlight the importance of education about a few important benefits of HPV vaccination, which may increase vaccination rates.     

HPV vaccine coverage and acceptability among a national sample of sexual minority women ages 18–45

BackgroundSexual minority women (lesbian, bisexual, and other women who have sex with women) are at risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related disease, demonstrating the importance of HPV vaccination for these women.MethodsWe conducted an online survey of sexual minority women ages 18–45 from the United States (n = 505) in October 2019, about two months after HPV vaccine recommendations were expanded to include ages 27–45. Multivariable Poisson regression identified correlates of HPV vaccine initiation (i.e., receipt of at least one HPV vaccine dose).ResultsOverall, 65% of participants ages 18–26 and 33% of participants ages 27–45 had initiated the HPV vaccine series. Among participants ages 18–26, initiation was more common among those who had received a healthcare provider recommendation (RR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.64–2.93) or had disclosed their sexual orientation to their primary healthcare provider (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07–1.65). Among initiators ages 27–45, a large majority (89%) reported receiving their first dose before turning age 27. Initiation was more common among participants ages 27–45 who had received a healthcare provider recommendation (RR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.31–4.53) or who reported greater perceived social support for HPV vaccination (RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05–1.40). Several reasons for not yet getting HPV vaccine differed by age group (ages 18–26 vs. ages 27–45; all p < 0.05).ConclusionsMany sexual minority women, particularly those ages 27–45, remain unvaccinated against HPV. Findings provide early insight into HPV vaccine coverage among adult women and highlight key leverage points for increasing vaccination among this population.     

Assessing knowledge of human papillomavirus among men who have sex with men (MSM) using targeted dating applications

BackgroundThe incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal and anal cancer has been increasing significantly over the past 30 years, especially among males. This study sought to better understand the level of knowledge of HPV-related disease in the LGBTQ+ community, and serve as a method to increase awareness for HPV vaccination as a safe and effective method for cancer prevention.MethodsSCRUFF and Jack’d are geosocial networking and dating mobile applications for men who have sex with men (MSM). All users of the applications who were located in the US at the time of the study were invited to participate in a survey on HPV knowledge, the HPV vaccine, and vaccination status. The Pearson test was used to identify possible associations.ResultsHalf of the HPV vaccine-eligible respondents reported having received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, while only 37.9% of the individuals aged 9–26 reported being vaccinated against HPV. Among the unvaccinated, 63.3% reported being interested in future vaccination, or learning more about it. No significant differences were noted regarding vaccination status nor HPV knowledge between respondents from rural vs urban locations. Respondents from the South were the least knowledgeable about cancer and genital warts caused by HPV (79.4%, p < 0.01), and had the lowest rate of vaccination compared to other regions (18.5%, p < 0.01). More than half of respondents reported being either somewhat comfortable (15.8%) or very comfortable (42.2%) with receiving the HPV vaccine from a dentist.ConclusionsThe findings of this study identify demographic groups and geographical areas where preventive campaigns for HPV would be most needed. The findings highlight dental providers as an underutilized source of HPV education and vaccine recommendation. The study reveals opportunities to close gaps in care and knowledge, and points to future directions for research and development of effective interventions.     

Effect of a school-based educational intervention on HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and willingness to be vaccinated among Chinese adolescents : a multi-center intervention follow-up study

BackgroundMiddle school students are recommended as the primary target population for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. This study aimed to assess HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, and to evaluate the effect of a school-based educational intervention, immediately and one year later, on HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability among adolescents in mainland China.MethodsA school-based interventional follow-up study was conducted in seven representative cities in mainland China from May 2015 to May 2017. “Train-the-trainer” strategy was employed to educate school teachers in this study. Students aged 13 to 14 years old were assigned to intervention classes and control classes. All students were required to complete the baseline questionnaire. Students in the intervention classes were given a 45-minute lecture regarding HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and were then asked to complete a post-education questionnaire. One year later, all students were asked to complete the post-education questionnaire again.ResultsBaseline HPV knowledge was low among Chinese adolescents, with only 12.6% and 15.7% of students having heard of HPV and HPV vaccines, respectively. After the intervention, the level of HPV-related knowledge increased immediately, and students with higher knowledge levels of HPV and HPV vaccines were more willing to get vaccinated. One year after the intervention, the knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines was dramatically diminished. However, knowledge was significantly higher in intervention classes compared to control classes.ConclusionsKnowledge and awareness of HPV and vaccination are generally deficient among Chinese adolescents. School-based health education was very effective in improving awareness and positive attitudes about HPV and HPV vaccines within a short time. Integrating health education on HPV into the existing school-based sexual health curriculum could be an effective way to increase HPV vaccination coverage and help to eliminate preventable HPV-associated cancers in China.     

Provider response and follow-up to parental declination of HPV vaccination

ObjectiveParents often decline HPV vaccination, but little is known about how healthcare providers should promote vaccination at a later visit for secondary acceptance. We examined the associations of two factors, providers’ response to declination during the visit and follow-up after the visit, with secondary acceptance.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of US parents whose 9- to 17-year-old child had not yet completed the HPV vaccination series. Parents who declined HPV vaccination during an initial discussion with a provider (n = 447) reported whether their provider engaged in any active response during the visit (e.g., giving information, trying to change their mind) or any follow-up after the visit (e.g., scheduling another visit). We conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine whether an active response or follow-up was associated with secondary acceptance of HPV vaccination.ResultsOnly about one-third of parents reported an active response during the visit (35%) or follow-up after the visit (39%) following HPV vaccination declination. Parents had higher odds of secondary acceptance of HPV vaccine if they received any provider follow-up after the visit (43% vs. 20%, aOR:3.19; 95% CI:2.00:5.07). Receipt of an active provider response was not associated with secondary acceptance. More parents thought a provider should actively respond and follow-up (61% and 68% respectively), compared with those who received such a response (both p < .01).ConclusionsProviders’ follow-up after the visit may be important for promoting secondary acceptance of HPV vaccination. Parents who decline HPV vaccination often prefer to receive an active response or follow-up from a provider.     

“I Thought It Was Just For Teenagers”: Knowledge,Attitudes, and Beliefs about HPV Vaccination Among Women Aged 27 to 45

PurposeWe aimed to identify human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among women aged 27–45 years, who became eligible for HPV vaccination in 2018.MethodsEight virtual focus groups were conducted with 52 unvaccinated cisgender women aged 27–45 years living in Southern California's Inland Empire. Themes related to women's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs were systematically identified using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique.ResultsThe sample was diverse: 62% of participants were Hispanic, Black, or Asian; 17% identified as lesbian or bisexual; and annual household incomes ranged from $0 to $260,000 (median, $60,500). Key qualitative themes centered on 1) questions about HPV and HPV vaccination, 2) knowledge and beliefs about HPV and HPV vaccination, 3) concerns about vaccine side effects and safety, 4) low perceived benefits of vaccination, and 5) social factors influencing vaccine acceptance. Few participants were aware adults aged 27–45 years are eligible for HPV vaccination or that vaccination can still be beneficial after sexual debut. Many believed HPV vaccination caused serious side effects among adolescents and questioned whether safety had been adequately studied for newly eligible adults. Although many participants associated HPV vaccination with social stigma, some emphasized that vaccination was a way to exercise control over their health and prevent illness, given they could not always control the actions of their sexual contacts.ConclusionsFindings provide insight into knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV and HPV vaccination among women aged 27–45 years, which may be useful for informing interventions to promote shared clinical decision-making between patients and health providers.     

Willingness of parents of 9-to-18-year-old females in China to vaccinate their daughters with HPV vaccine

ObjectiveTo assess knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine, willingness to have their daughters receive HPV vaccine, and factors associated with knowledge and willingness among parents of females 9 to 18 years of age in China.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents with daughters 9 to 18 years of age in four provinces of China using a self-administered questionnaire. We used multivariable regression analyses to determine factors associated with willingness vaccinate.ResultsWe received completed surveys from 5,215 parents. Among respondents, 846 (16.24 %) had a high level of knowledge about HPV (total score ≥ 5). High level of HPV knowledge was associated with having daughters who were <15 years old; having experience paying out-of-pocket for other vaccines; being a mother; having higher educational achievement; being a medical staff member; being in a higher-income category; and residing in an urban area. There were 2,419 (46.39 %) parents who were willing to vaccinate their daughter against HPV and 2,757 (52.87 %) who were willing to receive vaccine themselves (for female respondents) or indicated willingness of their spouse to be vaccinated (for male respondents). Willingness of mothers to be vaccinated was associated with daughters’ age being greater than 14 years; having previously purchased self-paid vaccines; having higher educational achievement; being in a higher-income category; having a higher level of knowledge; and residing in an urban area. Parental willingness to vaccinate daughters was associated with daughters’ age being greater than 14 years, age of parents younger 40, a history of purchasing self-paid vaccines; higher educational achievement; having a higher level of knowledge; being willing to receive HPV vaccine (themselves or their spouse); and residing in an urban area.ConclusionsLevel of knowledge and willingness to have daughters vaccinated with HPV vaccine are low among Chinese parents. For universal HPV vaccination of females 9–18 years of age, it is necessary to educate parents about HPV and HPV vaccine, and to reduce the price of HPV vaccine.     

Facilitators of and barriers to HPV vaccination among sexual and gender minority patients at a Boston community health center

BackgroundYoung sexual minority individuals have lower human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine completion rates than the general population, and little is known about how gender minority people perceive HPV vaccination. The aim of this study was to qualitatively identify patient-, provider-, and systems-level barriers and facilitators for HPV vaccination among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people.MethodsFifteen SGM-identified individuals, ages 23–26, were recruited at an urban community health center in Boston, MA, that specializes in care for SGM. Participants were enrolled in a study that utilized surveys and in-person focus groups. During focus groups, participants were asked to describe their perceived barriers and facilitators for completion of HPV vaccination.ResultsFourteen participants reported having a sexual minority identity, and five participants reported having a gender minority identity. Participants described the following factors influencing HPV vaccination: (1) at the patient level, low HPV-related knowledge and lack of engagement in care were associated with less vaccination, whereas fear of HPV-related disease motivated vaccination; (2) at the provider level, knowledge and SGM cultural-competence related to HPV was associated with patient willingness to be vaccinated; (3) at the systems level, SGM identity-affirming healthcare settings were associated with increased vaccination, whereas historical trends in HPV vaccine marketing selectively for cisgender women and lack of public awareness of HPV-related disease among SGM were associated with decreased vaccincation.ConclusionOur study identified internal and external barriers for HPV vaccination related among SGM patients. These findings highlight the need to increase public awareness about the risks of HPV-related disease among SGM and educate SGM youth about HPV-related disease and vaccine importance. Finally, this study supports the need for future interventions to cultivate SGM-competent providers and SGM identity-affirming healthcare settings as a way to increase HPV vaccination.     

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the transition between adolescence and adulthood

PurposeYoung adulthood is characterized by changes in health care decision-making, insurance coverage, and sexual risk. Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is now approved for adults up to age 45, and catch-up vaccination is currently recommended up through age 26, vaccination rates remain low in young adults. This study explored perspectives on HPV vaccination among young adults receiving care at the student health center of a large public university.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 27) and four focus groups with female and male undergraduate and graduate students (n = 18) and semi-structured interviews with health care providers (n = 6). Interviews and focus groups explored perceived risk of HPV infection, benefits of the HPV vaccine, and motivations for and barriers to HPV vaccination.ResultsMany young adults cited their parents’ views and recommendations from medical providers as influential on their decision-making process. Students perceived that cervical cancer prevention was a main benefit of the HPV vaccine and sexual activity was a risk factor for HPV infection. Students often lacked knowledge about the vaccine’s benefits for males and expressed some concerns about the safety and side effects of a vaccine perceived as new. Logistical barriers to vaccination included uncertainty over vaccination status and insurance coverage for the vaccine, and concerns about balancing the vaccine schedule with school obligations. Providers’ vaccine recommendations were impacted by health system factors, including clinical infrastructure, processes for recommending and documenting vaccination, and office visit priorities. Suggested vaccination promotion strategies included improving the timing and messaging of outreach efforts on campus and bolstering clinical infrastructure.ConclusionsAlthough college may be an opportune time to reach young adults for HPV vaccination, obstacles including navigating parental influence and independent decision-making, lack of awareness of vaccination status, and numerous logistical and system-level barriers may impede vaccination during this time.     

Knowledge,attitudes, and practices among Saudi women regarding cervical cancer,human papillomavirus (HPV) and corresponding vaccine

AimTo our knowledge there are no studies exploring Saudi women’s understanding of the importance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. In the present study, we examined the awareness of HPV and women’s attitudes toward the HPV vaccine.MethodNine focus groups were formed in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, including 77 women between the ages of 18 and 45 years old. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 58 female healthcare providers to examine women’s awareness of cervical cancer, HPV, barriers, acceptance, beliefs, and attitudes towards the HPV vaccine.ResultsFocus group discussions revealed a lack of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine. Cultural concerns regarding screening and vaccinating for a conventionally known sexually transmitted infection were an emerging theme in addition to not perceiving cervical cancer screening as necessary because women with no signs and symptoms considered themselves not at risk for developing cervical cancer. Approximately 30% of healthcare providers other than physicians were unaware of prevention methods, and 63.3% did not practice any screening methods for cervical cancer and attributed the lack of screening to “no specific reasons at all”.ConclusionBecause of the unfavorable knowledge and attitude of HPV infection and the associated vaccine from the women in the present study, emphasis should be directed to educate and promote awareness of women to the risk factors of cervical cancer and to the need for screening programs and the administration of the vaccine.     

Knowledge of HPV and HPV Vaccine among Women Ages 19 to 26

ObjectiveTo describe knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination among women ages 19 to 26 seeking a variety of services at reproductive health centers. A secondary objective was to identify common sources of HPV information.MethodsTen reproductive health centers enrolled 365 women ages 19 to 26 in a randomized, controlled trial to determine the effect of automated reminder messages on HPV vaccine completion. Using responses from a 61-item self-administered baseline questionnaire completed before initiating the HPV vaccine, this subanalysis assessed participants' knowledge regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine.ResultsKnowledge of HPV prevention, transmission, and disease outcomes among the study population was highly variable. The mean HPV knowledge score was 11.0 of a possible 19 (SD = 3.8). Most participants (77%) had heard of the HPV vaccine before completing the questionnaire and indicated that their primary sources of information about the vaccine were television ads (61%), health care providers (52%), and friends (45%).ConclusionsDespite a relatively high awareness of the vaccine, specific knowledge regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine varied substantially and participant scores highlighted knowledge gaps among vaccine-eligible young women. Media, health care providers, and friends were identified by participants as sources of information and may influence their knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine.     

HPV vaccination coverage and willingness to be vaccinated among 18–30 year-old students in Italy

ObjectivesIn Italy, free HPV vaccination has been offered to 12 years-old girls since 2007, while for males only since 2015. The aims of our study were: to measure HPV vaccination coverage among young women; to assess willingness to receive HPV vaccination among unvaccinated males and females; to evaluate the association of coverage and attitudes with knowledge regarding HPV and with sexual behavior.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in an Italian region among 18–30 year-old students attending medical and healthcare professions schools. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire exploring knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to HPV infections, sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention. Information on vaccination status was also verified for each student through the immunization records provided by the participants during the occupational medical visit.Results517 students were enrolled, with a 97% response rate. Of female participants, 40.5% had received at least one dose of HPV vaccine, while among unvaccinated participants, 60.5% stated their willingness to be vaccinated. A negative attitude towards HPV vaccination was associated with an older age, whereas a correct knowledge that both sexes are at risk of HPV infection, and the knowledge that vaccine protects against cervical cancer were confirmed to be associated to a willingness to receive HPV vaccination.ConclusionsOur results showed low HPV vaccination coverage among young women and high reported willingness to receive vaccination among both sexes. More active education on the link between HPV and all related cancers could be beneficial to help prevent significant burden of the HPV-related diseases.     

Men having sex with men and the HPV vaccine in France: A low vaccine coverage that may be due to its infrequent proposal by physicians

IntroductionIn France, the human papilloma (HPV) vaccine is recommended to all female adolescents, and since 2016 to men having sex with men (MSM) under the age of 27. Here, we aimed to explore HPV vaccine coverage in adult MSM living in France.MethodsWe elaborated an anonymous online questionnaire targeting MSM and disseminated it between October 7, 2018 and January 15, 2019 by various means, including a Facebook® discussion forum for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users.ResultsOverall, 2094 participants completed the questionnaire (mean age 35.4 ± 11 years); 25.8% were in the age class targeted by the HPV vaccine recommendation; 16.1% were in a PrEP program. On a 1–10 scale, they evaluated being “in favor of vaccination” at a median of 10, and general vaccine usefulness and harmfulness at medians of 10 and 2, respectively; 62.4% considered that the HPV vaccine was rather not or not at all dangerous. Those using PrEP had better perceptions of vaccination in general and of the HPV vaccine in particular. For the 1728 participants with a family physician, he/she had proposed the HPV vaccine in 9.9% of cases (9.1% of those in the targeted age class [<27 years]). Overall, 1994 knew their HPV vaccine status; 8.0% had received at least 1 dose of the vaccine, including 17.9% of those in the targeted age class (and 52.2% among the 40 participants in this age group who received PrEP). When the 1935 participants who declared to be unvaccinated against HPV were asked whether they would accept to be vaccinated, 34.4% answered “rather yes” and 45.5% “definitely yes”.ConclusionHPV vaccine coverage is low among French MSM. Our results suggest that this trend has more to do with the infrequent proposals made by clinicians than with negative vaccine perceptions.     

Prevalence of oral human papillomavirus by vaccination status among young adults (18–30 years old)

BackgroundAlthough there is evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may protect against oral HPV infection, no current research has demonstrated this in the general population.MethodsWe used repeated cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2009 and 2014. Participants 18–30 years who indicated whether they had received the HPV vaccine and provided an adequate oral sample were included (N = 3040). Oral HPV types were grouped by vaccine-type (types 6, 11, 16, 18) and by risk (high or low risk). Chi-square analyses compared oral HPV prevalence by vaccination status.ResultsVaccinated adults had a lower prevalence of vaccine-type oral HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) compared to unvaccinated adults. Prevalence of non-vaccine high-risk oral HPV was similar between HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated participants.ConclusionsHPV vaccination appears to provide protection against vaccine-type oral HPV infection among males and females in the general population.     

Acceptability of vaccination against human papillomavirus among women aged 20 to 45 in rural Hunan Province,China: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the intentions of and barriers to vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) among women aged 20 to 45 in rural areas, and to determine the popular sources to getting information about HPV vaccine and vaccination.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with a sample of women aged 20 to 45 from rural areas of Hunan Province in China. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic information and characteristics related to reproductive health of participants, and intentions of and barriers to HPV vaccination. All statistical analysis methods were performed with SPSS 18.0.ResultsA total of 2101 women participated in the study, with 58.55% intended to vaccinate against HPV. Increased intention of HPV vaccination was associated with higher age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.35 and 1.50, respectively) and education level (AOR = 1.13 and 1.47, respectively). Women who have heard of HPV vaccine (AOR = 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–5.98) and have been aware of that cervical cancer could be prevented (AOR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.44–2.82) were more willing to vaccinate. Having never heard of HPV vaccine and worry about efficacy and safety of vaccines were the most commonly cited reasons to refuse vaccination. The preferred source to get the knowledge was medical personnel (58.45%), followed by WeChat or Microblog, TV programs, and Internet.ConclusionWe found the intention of HPV vaccination among women aged 20 to 45 in rural China is low. Findings highlighted the importance of knowledge and trust in HPV vaccine, and suggested strengthening educational interventions on HPV vaccine and vaccination through multiple sources, including HPV vaccine coverage in health insurance to increase access.     

Knowledge and attitude of students studying at health department towards HPV and HPV vaccination

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the world. The most frequent disease linked to HPV is cervical cancer as well as other cancers including those of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx.Our research sought to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes concerning human papillomaviruses and their vaccine among students enrolled in Alt?nba? University's faculties of health sciences.MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out using a survey containing 41 questions about demographic variables, knowledge, and attitudes toward HPV and HPV vaccines. The questions were distributed to students via Google form using social media applications such as WhatsApp.ResultsThe study involved 144 students, 71.5 % of whom were female. 37.5 % of the participants learned about HPV from social media. Knowledge of HPV is present in 82 % of females and 25 % of males. Most of the questions had more accurate replies from female than from male students p < 0.05. As a result, 88 %, 46 % of female respondents and 27 %, 14 % of male respondents, respectively, correctly answered the questions about who should receive HPV vaccinations p < 0.001 and how many doses are necessary.ConclusionParticipants' awareness of HPV, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer was rather high when compared to other research. However, there are knowledge gaps that need to be corrected and provided through educational programs.     

Uptake of HPV Vaccine among young adults with disabilities, 2011 to 2018

IntroductionLittle is known about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among young adults with disabilities (YAWD), despite this population having a higher risk of HPV infection and related cancers compared to the general population.ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of HPV vaccination among young adults with disabilities to young adults without disabilities. We hypothesized that YAWD would have a lower prevalence of HPV vaccination than the general population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data for the years 2011 to 2018 of the National Health Interview Survey. Our analysis included 14,577 people (weighted n = 34,420,024) aged 18 to 26 years. Univariate and multivariable logistic models were used to estimate the role of disability on HPV vaccination uptake among young adults and to identify potential factors associated with HPV vaccination among YAWD.ResultsThe proportion of female and male YAWD with HPV vaccination was similar to those without disabilities, regardless of sex (Female Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR): 1.16; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.91 to 1.48; Male Adjusted OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.60). Among female and male YAWD, the proportion with HPV vaccination was 56.1% and 28.5%, respectively. Other factors significantly associated with HPV vaccination among YAWD included age, country of birth, healthcare utilization, and insurance status.ConclusionsHPV vaccination among YAWD did not differ significantly from those without disabilities; however, the prevalence of HPV vaccination among young adult males and females remains significantly below national goals. Connecting young adults, specifically male YAWD, to the healthcare system is of utmost importance to improve HPV vaccination uptake.