Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the transition between adolescence and adulthood |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles Young Drive South, A2-125 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6900, USA;2. UCLA Center for Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity, Fielding School of Public Health and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, 650 Charles Young Drive South Drive, A2-125 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6900, USA;3. UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center, University of California, Los Angeles, 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Keywords: | Human papillomavirus HPV vaccine Vaccination College health health behavior Sexual health |
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