Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and uptake in college students: Implications from the Precaution Adoption Process Model.

Marie Barnard,Mandy L Perryman,Phillis George,Lori A Wolff,Anne S De Groot

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0182266

Marie Barnard, Mandy L Perryman + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0182266

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Aug 7, 2017
Citations: 98	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Mississippi, Fordham University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and uptake in college students and to identify factors associated with vaccination status utilizing the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM). The sample included 383 undergraduates from a public university who participated in February and March 2015. Students were emailed an anonymous online survey assessing knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to HPV and HPV vaccination, as well as their stage in the PAPM regarding vaccination completion. Significantly more females (47.3%) than males (15.8%) were vaccinated. While most students had basic knowledge of HPV, they had low perceptions of their susceptibility to contract HPV. Most unvaccinated students were in the early stages of decision-making related to vaccination. Campus health centers have an opportunity to increase HPV vaccination rates. This study indicates that students need prompts from providers, as well as education regarding susceptibility to HPV.

Highlights

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection associated with increased cancer risks [1,2]
Prior studies have identified barriers to HPV vaccination, but they have focused on parental concerns, as the initial recommendation is for vaccination in the adolescent years when parents make health care decisions for children [6,7,8,9]
We developed a survey to assess students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to HPV and HPV vaccinations, as well as stage in the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) regarding vaccination completion

Summary

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection associated with increased cancer risks [1,2]. Prior studies have identified barriers to HPV vaccination, but they have focused on parental concerns, as the initial recommendation is for vaccination in the adolescent years when parents make health care decisions for children [6,7,8,9].

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