2531. Using Peer-to-Peer Education to Increase Awareness and Uptake of HPV Vaccine Among Chinese International Students

Abstract

BackgroundThere are more than one million international college students in the United States. The University of Southern California hosts about 5,000 Chinese International Students (CIS). HPV-related cancers are common in China and the HPV vaccine was only recently introduced to the Chinese population. CIS in the United States have low HPV vaccination rates upon arrival. Once these students become aware of the affordability and the accessibility of the vaccine, they often contact a provider to start the vaccination series. The HPV vaccine is available to all eligible students at the USC student health center and is free of charge to students with Aetna Student Health Insurance. We examined the impact of a peer-to-peer education program about HPV disease and vaccination amongst CIS and assessed the impact of the program via an analysis of HPV immunization rates amongst CIS.MethodsThe study was IRB approved. Mandarin-speaking USC students volunteered to serve as peer educators in response to an inquiry from academic advisors. 18 CIS were trained by MiOra as Immunization Community Health Educators (ICHE) on HPV disease and vaccination as well as sexually transmitted infections and prevention. CIS educated peers at tables set up throughout USC.ResultsInitial data from 100 CIS students who were surveyed and educated in April 2019 were analyzed. 59 out of 99 (59.6%) students reported that they have either received or are in the process of receiving the HPV vaccine. 93 out of 99 (93.9%) indicated “no knowledge” or “some knowledge” about HPV and HPV vaccine while only 6 students (6.1%) reported “a great deal of knowledge.” 56 out of 99 (56.6%) thought that it is “unlikely” or “impossible” for them to acquire HPV. 92 out of 97 (94.9%) said they would be interested in getting vaccinated if it were free.ConclusionMany CIS have limited understanding of HPV risk factors and HPV vaccine; however, when informed, the majority of students indicated they would likely vaccinate if it was covered by insurance. Peer-to-peer education was very effective. Of the first 400 students educated, 80 visited the student health center. This is an ongoing project. We will continue to collect and report data on the impact of the peer-to-peer education and factors influencing.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.