The role of health information technology in improving awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine among U.S. adults: Insights from the health information national trends survey.

Abstract

10535 Background: Despite advances in cancer prevention and wide-spread availability of Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines, US adults continue to have suboptimal HPV vaccination uptake with less than 50% vaccinated. Strategies aimed at enhancing HPV-related awareness are considered one of the most effective ways to improve HPV vaccine adoption and potentially eliminate HPV-related cancers. Health information technology (HIT) may influence HPV-related awareness and subsequently drive vaccine adoption. This study assessed the impact of HIT utilization on HPV and HPV vaccine awareness. Methods: Data was obtained from Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5 cycles 1 and 2). Cross-sectional sample of 6,522 individuals aged 18 years or more was analyzed. The independent variables were use of smartphone, computer, or electronic means to (i) look up health information, (ii) fill a prescription online, (iii) communicate with a doctor or doctor’s office, (iv) look up test results of and (v) track health care charges. The dependent variables were HPV and HPV vaccine awareness. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate group differences, and a multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness controlling for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Results: Of the total sample, awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine was 62.7% and 61.8% respectively. In adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis, those who utilized a smartphone, computer, or electronic means to look up health information (aOR 2.23; 95% CI 1.68 – 2.97, p < 0.001), communicate with healthcare provider (aOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.23 – 1.91, p < 0.001), look up test results (aOR 1.67; 95% CI 1.35 – 2.08, p < 0.001), and track health care charges (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.26 – 2.05, p < 0.001), were more likely to endorse HPV awareness than those who did not. Similar positive associations were observed for HIT utilization and HPV vaccine awareness. Conclusions: Our findings showed a positive association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Amid a background of sub-optimal HPV vaccination and explosion in technology, these results emphasize the potential for the role of HIT in preventive medicine. Strategies that integrate HIT into vaccine interventions and communications should be encouraged as a medium to expand HPV awareness and vaccine coverage.