Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Inpatient Postpartum HPV Vaccination Among Pregnant Women [ID: 1376898

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Inpatient postpartum human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a novel strategy to increase HPV vaccine uptake; however, data on pregnant women's perspectives are lacking. We sought to assess knowledge and attitudes toward inpatient postpartum HPV vaccination among pregnant women. METHODS: An electronic survey assessing HPV vaccination knowledge, status, and attitudes toward postpartum HPV vaccination was distributed among pregnant women aged 15–45 years engaged in prenatal care at a large health system in Baltimore, Maryland. Reasons for their attitudes toward postpartum HPV vaccination were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests. RESULTS: Mean age was 31.3+6.2 years among 309 pregnant participants. Self-identified race and ethnicity included 47.5% White, 29% Black/African American, 11.2% Asian, and 16.2% Hispanic/Latina. 88.7% had heard of the HPV vaccine, 50.5% had received at least one dose, and 35.0% had completed the series. HPV vaccination status did not differ by socioeconomic characteristics (P>.05). Of the 153 HPV vaccine-naive women, 40.0% desired to receive it after delivery, with the top reasons being “I think it is safe” and “I think the protection can benefit me.” 24.2% were not interested (“I don't think it will benefit me” and “I'm worried about the side effects”), and 36.0% were unsure (“No healthcare provider has recommended it to me so far” or “I usually don't say yes to all vaccines”). CONCLUSION: The majority of pregnant HPV vaccine-naive women were willing to receive an HPV vaccine dose postpartum. HPV vaccine education during prenatal care may further increase uptake.