Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Awareness Research Articles

Examining barriers and facilitators of HPV vaccination in Nigeria, in the context of an innovative delivery model: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundMore than 80% of cervical cancer cases diagnosed globally are in low-income and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, where treatment facilities are widely unavailable, it is a leading cause of...

Low Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in a Low-Income Urban Population.

Despite widespread availability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and recommendations for routine use, awareness and uptake of HPV vaccination are not universal. We assessed self-reported history of HPV vaccination in a sample of low-income men and women recruited from the community using respondent-driven sampling as part of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) survey in San Francisco. Of the 384 respondents, a minority (12.5%) reported they had received the HPV vaccine. In multivariate analysis, independent associations with HPV vaccination history were female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.73, 8.17]), younger age (AOR = 0.89 per year, 95% CI = [0.86, 0.92]), and education above high school (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI = [1.37, 5.90]). Missed opportunities for HPV vaccination were evident in 84.4% of respondents having visited a health care provider in the last year, including 40.1% tested for a sexually transmitted infection, and entry into higher education programs (33.4%).

The Need for Increased HPV Vaccination Awareness and Access

Human papillomavirus (HPV) in the genital region is a frequently occurring sexually transmitted disease that can result in genital warts and various types of cancer. Most sexually active individuals acquire HPV at a certain point during their lifetime, but fortunately, several of the most harmful HPV types are preventable with vaccinations. All boys and girls aged 9 to 12 should get the HPV vaccine, although it can be given to individuals up to age 45. The HPV vaccine triggers an immune response that helps the body recognize and fight off the virus. There are currently two different HPV vaccines available: Gardasil and Cervarix. Gardasil guards against the two HPV strains that most commonly result in cervical cancer (CC) and various additional strains that can result in genital warts or other types of cancer. Cervarix only offers protection against the two forms of HPV that trigger CC. Mild side effects may occur, but more severe side effects are rare. Despite the availability of HPV vaccination, vaccination rates remain suboptimal in many countries. Raising awareness and expanding access to HPV vaccination are critical steps toward reducing HPV-related diseases. This article explores the basics of HPV and the role of vaccination in preventing its spread.

The perception of cervical cancer screening and prevention among Saudi women.

e17519 Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth cause of malignancy-related deaths among women globally. In Saudi Arabia, it is the 8th most prevalent cancer and the 7th cause of cancer mortality among women between the ages of 15–44. There is a limited national data on the awareness of CC, human papilloma virus (HPV), and knowledge of screening and prevention. We present the largest national study to date investigating knowledge of Saudi women toward CC, the HPV vaccine, Pap smear, and influencing factors of their application. Methods: A structured questionnaire of 22 questions included demographic data, CC awareness and associated risk factors, evaluation of Pap-smear and HPV vaccine knowledge and their application was constructed and validated. Participants were exclusively female. It was distributed across the country and scored according to a pre-defined scoring system. Influencing factors of CC, Pap-smear and HPV vaccine knowledge and awareness were examined. A regression model to predict the possibility of performing Pap-smear was generated. P-value of 0.05 and less indicated statistical significance in all tests. Results: 2539 female participants completed the questionnaire with (41%) aged 18 - 25 years old. A sizable portion were from the central region (30.4%) and a majority had a university degree (73.1%). 65% of the participants were sexually active. Two thirds of the participants have heard about Pap-smear and its role in detecting CC but only 20% took the test. Although one third knew that the HPV vaccine can prevent CC, only 2% received the vaccination. Poor knowledge on locating the Pap-smear and HPV vaccine were reported among participants. 12% reported that health campaigns were their source of information. Factors associated with adequate knowledge are listed in table. Age predicted the possibility of performing Pap-smear with participants of 18 - 25 years old are more likely to take the test (P=0.00). Conclusions: This large study evaluated the knowledge and awareness of CC, Pap-smear, and the HPV vaccine across the country. It demonstrated the need for better advocacy and for a nation-wide campaigning to further utilize early detection and preventive procedures. [Table: see text]

Acceptance of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers from selected churches in Accra, Ghana

BackgroundAlmost all cases of cervical and anal cancer have been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, in addition to women who develop HPV-related cervical cancer, both men and women can also develop cancers of the anus, oral cavity, and oropharynx that are attributed to HPV. However, literature on HPV vaccination among boys globally, in Africa, and most especially in Ghana is scarce. Thus, the main objective of this study was to explore the acceptance of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers from selected churches in Accra, Ghana.MethodsIn this study, a qualitative exploratory design was utilized to enlist 30 mothers who have male children aged between 9 and 12 years from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The recruitment of participants was carried out using a purposive sampling technique, and they were subsequently interviewed in-depth in a face-to-face setting, with the entire conversation being recorded for reference. After transcription, the recorded data were analyzed through content analysis.FindingsUpon analyzing the data, two (2) primary themes and 11 sub-themes emerged. The research showed that although the majority of the mothers were unaware of HPV in boys, they perceived it as a positive initiative and expressed a willingness to allow their sons to receive the vaccine. However, some participants mentioned certain factors that they believed could hinder the acceptance of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers. These included concerns about injection-related pain, high cost, and fears that the vaccine could make men immoral or infertile.ConclusionThe study revealed poor awareness of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers, and hence, suggested the need to increase the awareness on HPV vaccination in boys among mothers as well as the public to increase its acceptance.

Abstract 5539: Assessing knowledge, vaccine hesitancy, and completion rates of free HPV vaccination in uninsured/underinsured low-income patients

Abstract Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain low in the U.S., particularly among minorities and low-income patients. In 2014, a Mayo Clinic study of uninsured, low-income, working, Volunteer in Medicine (VIM) Clinic patients in Jacksonville, Florida found a statistically significant lower awareness of HPV (50.3% vs 63.6%) and the HPV vaccine (32.1% vs 62.7%) than the national population. As a result, our team collaborated with Merck to develop a free HPV vaccination program and video education campaign for VIM patients. Methods: We assessed VIM patients HPV vaccination knowledge, awareness, and prevalence of hesitancy towards receiving the vaccine. VIM patients (ages 18-45) with no previous history of HPV vaccination were invited to participate in this study. The Parents Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey was used to evaluate vaccine hesitancy. Patients who declined the HPV vaccine were shown an educational video to assess effectiveness in persuading patients’ opinion. Each participant received a vaccine hesitancy PACV score, which was compared with their vaccine disposition. Mayo Clinic IRB approval of the study was obtained. Results: Our analysis included 43 patients (34 females, 9 males) with a median age of 40 (age range 27- 45). Patients had overall knowledge of HPV of 88.4%, with 69.8% having heard of the HPV vaccine. 85.7% PACV survey respondents were deemed non-hesitant (PACV scores 0-49), and 80.6% of the non-hesitant subset (29/36) agreed to undergo vaccination. The average PACV score of vaccine-interested participants was lower (25.2) than the average of participants not interested in the vaccine (36.7). Black participants had a statistically significant higher PACV score than White participants. The PACV scores of individuals who were already familiar with the HPV vaccine were significantly lower than those of participants who were unfamiliar with the HPV vaccine. Only 20% (2/10) of individuals, who had previously declined vaccination, agreed to receive the HPV vaccine after viewing the HPV educational video. Of the 33 participants who agreed to receive the free HPV vaccine, only 9 (27.3%) completed all three doses. Conclusions: HPV vaccine awareness and knowledge at VIM increased compared to the 2014 cohort. Vaccine hesitancy was not observed in most patients, yet video education was effective in only a small portion of patients with vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, a minority of patients who agreed to receive the free HPV vaccine series completed all three doses. Our results suggests that free HPV vaccination and video education is not sufficient to achieve adequate vaccination rates among low-income uninsured young adults, nor overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Innovative measures are warranted to improve vaccination rates in this population. Citation Format: Hiram Diaz, Gerardo Colon-Otero, Laura M. Pacheco-Spann, Christopher C. DeStephano, Sandra Casanova-Leyva. Assessing knowledge, vaccine hesitancy, and completion rates of free HPV vaccination in uninsured/underinsured low-income patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5539.

Maternal perceptions of vaccinating boys against human papillomavirus (HPV) in Seoul, South Korea: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is of paramount importance to reduce HPV-associated cancers in both genders. In South Korea, the prophylactic vaccine is recognized as prevention of cervical cancer with little attention given to male HPV vaccination. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of male HPV vaccination and underlying factors for vaccine hesitancy among mothers of unvaccinated boys in Seoul, Korea using a qualitative method. We used a purposive sampling strategy to recruit mothers of unvaccinated middle school-aged boys living in one of the 25 districts in Seoul, supplemented by a snowball sampling approach. We conducted one-on-one telephone interviews with ten mothers using a semi-structured interview guide. Questions probed mothers' views on vaccinating boys against HPV and the reasons for not vaccinating their sons. We found that mothers were hesitant to vaccinate their sons against HPV due to high out-of-pocket costs, fear of side effects concerning the young age of their sons, and low awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine, all of which stemmed from the exclusion of male HPV vaccination in the national immunization program. Sociocultural factors, including vaccination norms, lack of HPV education, and values associated with sexually transmitted infections were also likely to negatively impact mothers' vaccination decision-making. Despite the barriers, mothers were willing to accept HPV vaccination when it was framed as cancer prevention for not only the sons but also their future spouses. In conclusion, reasons for Korean mothers' hesitancy for their sons' HPV vaccine uptake were multifaceted. Healthcare providers' role in emphasizing and conveying the importance of gender-neutral HPV vaccination will be essential to alleviate negative sentiments around the vaccine for boys and reduce their risk of compromised sexual health. As an effective public health strategy, tailored cancer prevention messages should be delivered heightening significant benefits of the HPV vaccine beyond the prevention of cervical cancer.

Knowledge and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Cervical Cancer among Men and Women in Japan: A Questionnaire Survey.

In many advanced countries other than Japan, the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer, which is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, are decreasing probably due to the high rate of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. In Japan, these rates are on the rise owing to the stagnation of vaccination and low screening rate. To improve these situations, active promotion of HPV vaccination and screening is required. As a preliminary stage, we investigated perceptions regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccines among Japanese men and women and examined the difference in perceptions by sex. This was a prospective cross-sectional questionnaire survey targeting Sojo University students and working adults. University students were targeted before learning about cervical cancer. Working adults were recruited on the basis of information from the Health Promotion of Health and Welfare Department of Kumamoto Prefectural Government in Japan and from companies via student organizations promoting cancer prevention. We surveyed respondents' knowledge and awareness about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer and performed logistic regression analysis to compare the results between men and women. A total of 557 completed questionnaires (205 men and 352 women) were analyzed. Women had high levels of knowledge and awareness about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer compared with men. However, 70% of women surveyed had never been screened for cervical cancer. A total of 557 completed questionnaires (205 men and 352 women) were analyzed. Women had high levels of knowledge and awareness about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer compared with men. However, among surveyed women, the degree of knowledge and awareness was lower than that among women in other countries with established HPV vaccination programs. Furthermore, 70% of women surveyed had never been screened for cervical cancer.

Attitudes and knowledge about HPV vaccination among Ghanaian women with cervical cancer

AbstractObjectiveTo explore knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination, barriers to vaccination and acceptance of the HPV vaccine in the highest‐risk and most‐impacted population in Ghana.MethodsA survey was administered to 100 women with histologically confirmed cervical cancer at a teaching hospital in Ghana.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 59 (±14.3) years, 65.0% had a parity of five or higher and 89.0% had a monthly income less than 500 Ghana cedis ($63 USD). Seventy‐nine percent of participants had a diagnosis of stage III or greater cervical cancer. Only 8.0% had heard of HPV and 4.0% knew that HPV caused cervical cancer. Fifty‐five percent had not heard of vaccines, in general; of the remainder, the majority endorsed that vaccines, in general, were effective (89.0%) and safe (95.0%). No participants had received the HPV vaccine. After a brief education session, 94% believed the HPV vaccine was effective and 65.0% were categorised as having ‘high vaccine acceptance’ after responding ‘definitely yes’ to recommending the HPV vaccine to female relatives, male relatives and the community. There were no significant differences in demographic variables or cervical cancer disease characteristics between the ‘high vaccine acceptance’ and ‘some vaccine hesitancy’ groups.ConclusionAlthough women with cervical cancer in Ghana have low awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination, they demonstrate high vaccine acceptability and low hesitancy.

Human Papilloma Virus-Associated Oral Pharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Prevalence, Prevention, and Awareness of Vaccination in the Indian Population.

Human papilloma virus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, plays a pivotal role in head and neck cancer, primarily oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. HPV is a vaccine-preventable disease that also contributes to cervical cancer. Although HPV vaccination effectively protects the individual against all HPV-associated human carcinomas, the awareness of HPV vaccination and its acceptance is poor in developing nations like India. India has a very high burden of oral cancer, and, unfortunately, the morbidity and mortality rates are also high as the cancer is often detected at an advanced stage. In this review, we explore the prevalence of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma among the Indian population and the awareness of HPV vaccination among Indian youth. Since the prognosis for HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is good, early diagnosis of the cancer is crucial in improving the outcome of the treatment modalities. Efforts are needed to create and increase awareness of HPV vaccination. Routine screening for HPV infection in oral mucosa can prevent the silent epidemic from taking the lives of many young people.

Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among Females in Riyadh in 2021

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus which mainly spreads through sexual contact and is the most causative agent of cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, and the eighth most frequent cancer among women in Saudi Arabia. The currently available HPV vaccines can markedly decrease the incidence of this cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the awareness level about HPV, its transmission methods, its link to cervical carcinoma, and its vaccine protection against cervical cancer among females in Riyadh in 2021. This study was conducted through an electronic questionnaire and included 1,003 females aged ≥18 years old of different education levels and marital statuses. Results: The results show that the awareness about HPV is significantly low, only 30% of participants were aware of HPV, and only half of those had information about the HPV vaccine. In addition, only 20% of the participants knew that HPV is transmitted sexually. The level of knowledge was low even among health care workers, only 58% of them were aware of HPV, and 53% of them lack knowledge about the vaccine. Conclusion: According to our data, females in Riyadh have a significantly low awareness of HPV and its vaccination. Based on our outcome, we recommend increasing awareness about HPV infection and the importance of vaccination in decreasing the incidence of cervical carcinoma.

The Role of Health Information Technology in Improving Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among U.S. Adults.

Objective: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines prevent cancer-causing HPV infections and cervical precancers, there is suboptimal awareness and limited global accessibility of HPV and HPV vaccine. Emerging evidence suggests that health information technology (HIT) may influence HPV-related awareness and improve vaccine adoption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the link between HIT and HPV-related awareness Methods: Data were obtained from 1,866 U.S. adults aged 18-45 years who completed the 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Results: Awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine were 72.7% and 67.5%, respectively. Participants who used electronic means to look up health information (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.05; p = 0.001), communicate with health care provider (aOR = 1.68; p = 0.026), look up test results (aOR = 1.94; p = 0.005), and track health costs (aOR = 1.65; p = 0.04) were more likely to report HPV awareness than those who did not. Participants who used an electronic device to look up health information (aOR = 3.10; p = 0.003), communicate with clinicians (aOR = 1.72; p = 0.008), look up test results (aOR = 1.63; p = 0.021), and track health care charges (aOR = 1.90; p = 0.006) were more likely to report HPV vaccine awareness than those who did not. Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings suggest a positive association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Given the rapid and exponential increase in mobile technology access globally, these results are encouraging and offer a potential opportunity to leverage digital technology in primary cancer prevention for HPV-related cancers, especially in low- and middle-income countries with unsophisticated health infrastructures.

Low Uptake of the Second Dose of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Cervical cancer represents the most common neoplastic pathology among women, with a high burden of morbidity and mortality globally. Tanzania is no exception. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine remains the most effective intervention to address such a burden. However, the uptake of the second dose to confer full immunity remains a challenge. This study aimed to assess the uptake and factors associated with the second dose of the HPV (HPV-2) vaccine uptake among adolescents in the Ilala municipality of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Using a quantitative cross-sectional study, data of 389 adolescent girls was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software through descriptive and multivariate logistic regression methods to determine uptake, characteristics, and factors associated with the uptake of the second dose of the HPV vaccine. Among the 389 adolescents, the uptake of the HPV-2 vaccine dose was only 21.3%, a lower level compared with the first dose of HPV vaccine (35.2%). Factors associated with the uptake of the HPV-2 vaccine were age (AOR 0.14, p = 0.008), positive attitude towards the HPV-2 vaccine (AOR 2.04, p = 0.023), and awareness of the HPV-2 vaccine (AOR: 9.16, p = 0.003). In conclusion, only one in five adolescents in the Ilala municipality received a second dose of HPV vaccine. Such low uptake was associated with attitude towards the HPV vaccine and low awareness of HPV-2 vaccines. Regular community sensitization and awareness campaigns by relevant authorities and implementers may help to increase the HPV vaccine uptake.

The adoption of the HPV vaccine school-entry requirement in Puerto Rico: How practical lessons can inform future vaccine policies

Vaccine requirements are policy-level strategies used to improve population health outcomes; however, discourse politicization of vaccines may hinder adoption and implementation. An example of the complexities related to adoption of vaccine policies in the United States (US) is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine school-entry requirement. In 2018, Puerto Rico’s (PR) Department of Health adopted this policy. This study assessed stakeholders’ recommendations for adoption of the HPV vaccine school-entry requirement that could inform future vaccine policies. Stakeholders (e.g., researchers, members of medical and non-profit organizations) were interviewed from May to August 2018. Participants (n = 20) discussed recommendations for public health professionals interested in adopting such policy. Data were analyzed using applied thematic techniques. Participants emphasized the importance of raising HPV vaccine awareness and providing education prior to the requirement. They recommended using real stories and making the problem relevant by using local data. Participants recommended considering the local culture and government bureaucracies, and promoting multisectoral collaborations to combine limited resources. The combination of education efforts, local data, and multisectoral collaborations facilitated the adoption of the HPV vaccine school-entry requirement in PR. Findings highlight the need to understand the contextual distinctions of the communities where vaccination requirements may be adopted and implemented to anticipate barriers and leverage existing resources. Consideration of the politico-cultural context may be important as political beliefs have become entrenched with vaccine policy. These practical lessons can inform public health professionals and policymakers who are seeking to adopt and implement vaccine policies in other settings to ensure equitable vaccine access.

Knowledge and attitude of students studying at health department towards HPV and HPV vaccination

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the world. The most frequent disease linked to HPV is cervical cancer as well as other cancers including those of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx.Our research sought to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes concerning human papillomaviruses and their vaccine among students enrolled in Altınbaş University's faculties of health sciences. MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out using a survey containing 41 questions about demographic variables, knowledge, and attitudes toward HPV and HPV vaccines. The questions were distributed to students via Google form using social media applications such as WhatsApp. ResultsThe study involved 144 students, 71.5 % of whom were female. 37.5 % of the participants learned about HPV from social media. Knowledge of HPV is present in 82 % of females and 25 % of males. Most of the questions had more accurate replies from female than from male students p < 0.05. As a result, 88 %, 46 %of female respondents and 27 %, 14 %of male respondents, respectively, correctly answered the questions about who should receive HPV vaccinations p < 0.001 and how many doses are necessary. ConclusionParticipants' awareness of HPV, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer was rather high when compared to other research. However, there are knowledge gaps that need to be corrected and provided through educational programs.

Awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination for condyloma acuminata among men who have sex with men in China

ABSTRACT The dissemination of the fact that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can protect females as well as males is greatly beneficial for the control of condyloma acuminata (CA). We aimed to investigate the acceptance of the HPV vaccine for CA among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A cross-sectional online survey in the adult MSM population from 31 regions in China was carried out via WeChat in May 2017. Information on demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, history of HIV and HPV infection, awareness of CA and HPV/CA vaccines, acceptance of CA vaccination, and behavioral intentions for vaccination were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 902 questionnaires were analyzed; the prevalence of CA was 13.3% (120/902), the HIV positivity rate was 15.1% (136/902), and the coinfection rate of HIV and CA was 3.9% (35/902). In the MSM population, the knowledge of CA and HPV/CA vaccines was poor, but the acceptance rate of the CA vaccine was high (85.1%, 768/902). Data indicated that MSM who had a history of anal intercourse (OR = 1.9), had heard of CA (OR = 2.9), knew the treatments for CA (OR = 2.0), had heard of HPV vaccines/cervical cancer vaccines (OR = 1.9), and received education about CA (OR = 1.9) were associated with the intention to use CA vaccines. With current moderate levels of CA and HPV/CA vaccine awareness, more emphasis should be placed on improving education and other behavioral interventions for high-risk populations such as MSM in China.

Investigating Media Coverage and Public Perceptions of the HPV Vaccine in China - A Content Analysis of Weibo Posts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The HPV vaccination has been widely advocated around the world since the vaccine is beneficial in avoiding diseases, including some sexually transmitted diseases, brought on by HPV infections. For most Chinese, the HPV vaccine is still a relatively new concept, having only been made available to the general public in 2016. Despite the vaccine’s increased prominence, there is still a lack of investigation about how the public is influencing the conversation about HPV vaccines and the public’s perception of this vaccine. With the theoretical construct of the Health Belief Model, this study conducts both quantitative and qualitative content analysis to investigate the existing media narratives around HPV vaccines in China and the changes in public opinion by looking at users’ contributions on Weibo, one of China’s most popular social networking sites. It was found that different groups of Weibo users had contributed to diverse narratives surrounding HPV vaccination. Though the public awareness of HPV vaccination had been improved along with increasingly active communication practices and enhanced public health services, public knowledge about HPV remains inadequate. Therefore, to facilitate the popularisation of HPV related knowledge, more effort should be invested in tailoring and disseminating messages that communicate responsive and comprehensive HPV related information.

Awareness, attitudes and perceptions about HPV and anti-HPV vaccine among women living in Taif, Saudi Arabia

There has been a recent surge in the number of cases of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in Saudi Arabia, despite the country's reputation for conservatism and lower incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases.. The study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of HPV and acceptability HPV vaccination among the female population in the Taif region. A survey was conducted among females aged 18-58 years who were residents of Taif city. A pretested questionnaire was used that included sociodemographic details and items that recorded awareness, knowledge, attitude, and perceptions related to HPV and anti-HPV vaccination. A mixture of convenience and snowball sampling techniques was used to collect responses. About 47.1% had awareness regarding HPV and only 14.8% knew that HPV is a common infection in Saudi Arabia. However, 78.2% knew that unsafe sexual relations could increase the risk of infection with HPV. But only 15.8% believed that there is a treatment for HPV infection. The knowledge related to HPV was found to be poor among 58.5%, and only 10.9% demonstrated poor knowledge. Campaigns to educate people of all ages about human papillomavirus to remain essential for increasing HPV vaccination rates, particularly among women of reproductive age.

Vaccination Coverage Against Human Papillomavirus in Female Students in Cyprus.

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with the development of several cancers and cardiovascular diseases in females. Nevertheless, there is still poor data on vaccination coverage against HPV in several countries, including Cyprus. The main target of the present research was to assess the vaccination status of female students in Cyprus.MethodologyAn online survey was conducted via a cloud-based short questionnaire on Google Forms. Students with a known email address were initially invited via email to complete the survey. The questionnaire was distributed to 340 students, aged 18-49 years old, who lived in Cyprus (60% response rate).ResultsThe total vaccination coverage was 38.1%. The mean age of participants was 23.5 (±6.5) years. The major reason for non-vaccination was the belief that participants were not at risk of serious illness from HPV infection (22%), followed by the reported lack of time to get vaccinated (16%) and inertia (13%). The students who had information about the safety of HPV vaccines from electronic sources of information (television, websites, and blogs) had lower vaccination coverage compared to those who had received information from alternative sources (primary health centers, family doctors, or obstetricians) (relative risk (RR) = 1.923, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9669-3.825; p = 0.033). No significant differences in vaccination rates between participants who were coming from schools of health sciences versus those from financial schools (RR = 1.082, 95% CI = 0.7574-1.544; p = 0.3348) were observed.ConclusionsPublic health policy interventions and education on HPV vaccines are effective ways to improve the awareness and acceptance rate of HPV vaccination among female students and improve the HPV vaccination coverage level in Cyprus.

Disparities in awareness of the HPV vaccine and HPV-associated cancers among racial/ethnic minority populations: 2018 HINTS

ABSTRACT Objectives Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that currently infects nearly 80 million people in the United States (U.S.) and can lead to cancer. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and lasting protection against HPV infections. Nevertheless, vaccination rates remain suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, HPV and HPV vaccine awareness, and knowledge of HPV-associated cancers among U.S. adults. Design Using responses from 3504 U.S. adults (aged 18 years and older) from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 2 (January–May 2018), we performed descriptive analysis to assess the level of awareness of HPV and HPV vaccines and knowledge of HPV-associated cancer. Multivariable regression analysis (including race, gender, age, level of education, marital status, number of children younger than 18) was conducted with weighted analysis. Results About 62% of respondents had heard of HPV and HPV vaccine. Asians had a lower level of awareness than non-Hispanic Whites of HPV (36.4% vs. 66.1%) and HPV vaccine (48.7% vs. 67.1%). Multivariable analysis showed that race/ethnicity was associated with outcomes, with Asians being less likely to have heard about HPV (aOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07–0.38) and non-Hispanic Blacks (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35–0.91) and Hispanics (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36–0.80) being less likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine than non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, gender, age, marital status, and education were associated with awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine; in particular, individuals who were female, younger (18–45), married, and more highly educated were more likely to have heard of HPV and HPV vaccine. Conclusion Results highlight disparities in HPV and HPV vaccine awareness among racial/ethnic minority populations. Future interventions and legislation should target racial/ethnic minority populations to foster improvements in HPV vaccine uptake and reduce disparities in HPV-associated cancers.