Awareness of the link between human papillomavirus and oral cancer in UK university students

Abstract

Awareness of the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oral cancer varies across populations. Levels of awareness and factors may impact HPV vaccine uptake in women and the intent to obtain the vaccine in men if it becomes available. A cross-sectional survey of 1415 UK university students (495 men and 920 women) aged 18–25 years was conducted. Women who had and had not received the HPV vaccine were included. Vaccination was not available for men at the time of the survey. Seventy percent of participants had heard of oral cancer but only 25% were aware of the link between HPV and oral cancer. Women who ever engaged in sexual activity (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.12–2.72) or had at least one dose of the HPV vaccine (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.24–2.37) were more likely to be aware. Men who intend to receive the HPV vaccine in the future were more likely to be aware (aOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.04–2.53). Non-white women were less likely to be vaccinated (aOR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41–0.77). However, being aware was associated with HPV vaccine uptake in women (aOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.19–2.28) and borderline associated with the intent to obtain the HPV vaccine in men (aOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.99–2.35). Non-heterosexual men were more willing than heterosexuals to receive the vaccine. Following the UK gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme, there is an opportunity to increase awareness about the link between HPV and oral cancers aside from the cervical cancer link to influence HPV vaccine uptake.