ASPO Abstracts
HPV and HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Behaviors among Undergraduate Students
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
PurposeThe objectives of the study were to develop and administer an instrument assessing human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine knowledge and behaviors among undergraduate students at a large, public university in the southeastern United States.MethodsUsing existing and newly crafted measures assessing demographics and the core items above, we developed an electronic survey using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software. We distributed the survey via email to undergraduate students at the University of SouthAlabama from August-September 2018. We calculated descriptive statistics and performed chi-square analyses to assess statistical differences by college year. ResultsOf 2,047 responses distributed across year (range: 18.3%-31.0%), mean age was 22.1 years (±6.0) with 1,394 (70.0%) female and 71.2% reporting as White. 892 (46.5%) reported HPV vaccine initiation; 324 (36.6%) reported series completion (36.9% unsure). Despite an“ineligible” option, rate of HPV vaccination decreased as college year increased (p<0.0001) but series completion saw a reversed trend (p<0.0001). Though few significant differences for HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge by year, all years demonstrated substantial gaps: ~25% per year incorrectly agreed HPV can only be transmitted by infected people expressing symptoms; >35% per year incorrectly agreed HPV vaccine is single dose; ~30% per year disagreed the vaccine can be given up to age 26. For vaccine influences, personal views/beliefs were most valuedfor higher level students; lower level students valued healthcare provider and parent recommendations (p=0.0022). ConclusionsThe HPV vaccine presents a unique opportunity for HPV-associated cancer prevention. Survey data revealed low HPV vaccine initiation/completion rates in this college population.Despite few differences by year, we determined substantial gaps in knowledge for both HPV and HPV vaccination. We found key influences on HPV vaccination intentions varied significantly byyear, indicating need for multi-level strategies tailored to these. HPV vaccine emphasis at ages11-12 should continue, with catch-up for older individuals. Increased, targeted education and HPV vaccine opportunities should be offered to undergraduates to improve rates and knowledge.
Keywords: human papillomaviruscollegeHPVundergraduate