HPV Vaccine Status and BMI Correlation

Abstract

Obese women are at increased risk of death from cervical cancer compared to non-obese women. Yet, research indicates a lower rate of cervical cancer screening among obese women, especially severely obese white women. Cited reasons for delaying screening include embarrassment, perceived weight stigma, lack of appropriately sized examination equipment and poor patient-provider communication. Parental acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for overweight adolescent females may decrease the incidence of cervical cancer among obese women in later years. This study seeks to determine the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status of females, ages 11 to 21 years, in a university-based pediatric practice and to determine the correlation between HPV vaccine status and body mass index (BMI). Methods: We reviewed 800 randomly selected paper medical charts of females, ages 11 to 21 years, enrolled in a university-based pediatric practice as of October 31, 2008. Data collected included age, height, weight, BMI, race, insurance carrier, immunizations, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and documentation of STI prevention counseling. Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations among risk factors and outcome variables. Results: 800 charts reviewed; 91 were incomplete due to missing documentation of immunizations. The remaining 709 charts included 338 (48.2%) African Americans; 302 (43.1%) Whites; 26 (3.7%) Hispanics; and 35 (5%) other. Approximately 28.2% had current HPV vaccine status. There was no correlation between HPV vaccination status and BMI (p >0.05).