Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is arguably the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection, and has been linked to a variety of health complications including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and anogenital warts. The HPV vaccine can prevent these health complications, but few studies have investigated the specific factors that impact HPV vaccine uptake. Methods: Two hundred seventy-five male and female high school students were surveyed in an ethnically diverse school district in southern California regarding HPV vaccine uptake and perceptions. Results: Less than one third of students reported their physician had discussed HPV vaccine with them, and fewer still for males (p
Highlights
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States (CDC, 2012; Lambert, 2001; Friedman & Sheppard, 2007)
In addition to causing the vast majority of cervical cancers, Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to approximately one-third of penile cancers, twothirds of mouth and throat cancers, and over 90% of cases of anal cancer and genital warts (CDC, 2011; Beatty, O'Connel, Ashikaga, & Cooper, 2003)
The student body was 51.0 % Asian, 34.9% White, 6.9% Latino, 2.1% Black, and 5.2% other (Los Angeles Times, 2011). These percentages are approximately representative of the school district in which the study sample was drawn, which consists of 43.3% Asian, 35.6% white, 10.2% Latino, 2.3 % Black, and 8.5 % other (California Department of Education, 2012)
Summary
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States (CDC, 2012; Lambert, 2001; Friedman & Sheppard, 2007). The U.S Department of Health and Human Services (2014) estimates that adolescents age 15-24 account for approximately 50% of new STI cases each year. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all adolescents should begin receiving the HPV vaccine around 11-12 years of age (Hirth, Tan, Wilkinson, & Berenson, 2012). It is recommended for females ages 9 to 26 and males ages 11 to 26 to complete the three-shot series as soon as possible. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is arguably the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection, and has been linked to a variety of health complications including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and anogenital warts. Conclusion: These findings suggest the merit of the physician taking on a more active role during office visits to promote knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine to all youth in this age group
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