PIN47 - Factors Related to Hpv Vaccine Uptake and 3-Dose Completion Among Adult Women: The Importance of a Physcian Recommendation

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States and is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines to prevent HPV, however uptake is low in Utah with only 24.7% of Utah adolescents completing the series. The objective of this study was to assess the demographic and attitudinal factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation and completion among 18–26-year-old women in Utah. Between January 2013 and December 2013, we surveyed 325 women from the University of Utah Community Clinics about their HPV vaccine related beliefs and behaviors. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated from logistic regression models to identify variables related to HPV vaccine initiation and series completion. Additionally, a meta-analysis was performed on 74 articles to support findings related to intention to vaccinate. Of the 325 participants, 204 (62.8%) had initiated the vaccine and 159 (48.9%) had completed the 3-dose series. The variables of interest associated with HPV vaccine initiation included the strength of doctor recommendation (OR = 1.86 per scale unit); and whether a doctor’s recommendation was influential (OR =1.70 per scale unit). These variables were also significantly associated with HPV vaccine completion. Our findings are in-line with the results of the Meta-analysis, that vaccine uptake increases significantly with physician recommendation, when accounting for potential confounders. Our findings show that there is a tremendous opportunity to create a program to support physicians as champions of the HPV vaccination, which would increase HPV vaccination rates among young women in Utah.