HPV: The Power of Vaccination

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONGenital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to oropharyngeal, anal, cervical, vaginal, and penile cancers. It is the initiating event for malignant transformation and cervical dysplasia classified by the thickness of squamous intraepithelial lesions. Histologic evidence shows disorganized architecture and koilocytic changes in the epithelium, with a predilection for the squamocolumnar junction or transformation zone. Compared to heterosexual population, LGBTQIA+ subgroups may be at higher risk to HPV infections. This study aims to determine how knowledgeable Oakland University (OU) students are about HPV infection and vaccination, their perception and attitude towards it, and willingness to receive the vaccine, with a focus on gender and sexual orientation.METHODSA cross‐sectional survey collecting data on various parameters with measurable indicators such as: general non‐identifying information, knowledge of HPV vaccination, attitude towards HPV vaccination, and intent for receiving HPV vaccine was conducted. An information section regarding HPV and its vaccine was provided to assess change in knowledge of and attitude towards vaccination. Comparisons were analyzed with ANOVA and Chi‐Square tests.RESULTSOn average, heterosexual respondents agreed less than LGBTQIA+ respondents that the current vaccine is capable of preventing cervical, penile, or anal cancer (P = 0.0091). Vaccinated respondents agreed more than unvaccinated respondents that all gynecologists and personal physicians should recommend the vaccine to patients whether or not they come from conservative families (P = 0.0002), and that they would recommend this vaccine for their college friends (P = < 0.0001). Vaccinated respondents were significantly younger than unvaccinated respondents (P = 0.0005), but respondents who have heard of the HPV vaccine were significantly older than respondents who have not heard of the HPV vaccine (P = 0.0188). Adjusting for all factors, smokers have a significantly lower knowledge score than non‐smokers (P = 0.0290). A lower proportion of alcohol drinking respondents received the HPV vaccine as compared to non‐alcohol drinking respondents (P = 0.0358). On average, respondents who were unvaccinated were significantly more likely to undergo the HPV vaccine after taking the survey as compared to before taking the survey (P = 0.0016).CONCLUSIONDespite increasing social acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, few studies have addressed HPV infection and vaccination awareness among sexual minorities. Our findings show discrepancies in vaccine knowledge and vaccination status among different at‐risk groups. The findings also show increased likelihood of undergoing vaccination after reading an informational section within the survey, indicating the significant impact of and need to have widespread educational campaigns to influence behavioral perceptions and increase vaccine uptake.