Characteristics associated with human papillomavirus vaccination initiation and completion among young adults

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been recommended for young adults aged 18-26 years. Data from the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Survey were pooled. The prevalence of HPV vaccination initiation (≥1 dose) was 32.54% in 2016 and 37.92% in 2017, and the prevalence of HPV vaccination completion (≥3 doses) was 17.05% in 2016 and 19.38% in 2017 among young adults aged 18-26 years. Being female sex (odds ratio: 4.74) was the leading indicator for receiving the HPV vaccine, followed by receipt of other recommended vaccines (pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A), begin born in the United States, being gay/lesbian, having a greater number of physician visits, being younger, not being married, living in the Northeast, ever having had a pap smear, higher education, being not Hispanic ethnicity, and having more physical activity. Meanwhile, being female sex (odds ratio: 7.23) was the leading indicator for completing the HPV vaccination, followed by receipt of other recommended vaccines (pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A), having a greater number of physician visits, being younger, being born in the United States, being gay/lesbian, living in the Northeast, and current drinking. HPV vaccination coverage remains low among young adults, and HPV vaccine coverage was associated with a number of characteristics.