Benefits Of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Research Articles

Abstract A036: The role of multisectoral partnerships in the dissemination of HPV vaccination campaigns in Puerto Rico

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, HPV vaccination uptake is suboptimal in Puerto Rico (PR). Knowledge and understanding of the benefits of HPV vaccination can influence the intention to vaccinate. The Puerto Rico Community Cancer Control Outreach Program (PRCCCOP) and our network of multisectoral partners disseminated an HPV vaccination educational campaign tailored to promote HPV vaccination among kids and adolescents aged 9-26. OBJECTIVE: To effectively disseminate Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevention educational campaigns through a network of multisectoral collaborators to increase HPV vaccination uptake in PR. METHODS: The PRCCCOP trained collaborators on basic HPV, HPV-caused cancers, and HPV vaccine knowledge and the use of educational materials. Collaborators distributed educational materials to their clientele who visited in person, participated in sponsored events, and accessed their virtual platforms or via email. In addition to printable educational materials, PRCCOP public service announcement videos about HPV vaccination were transmitted at our participating Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). The PRCCOP provided all collaborators with continued training, assistance, and educational materials. RESULTS: Our program impacted 65 municipalities (83.3% of the island). Electronic and printed versions of our educational materials were disseminated in 40 clinics and vaccination centers across the island, including all 22 FQHCs in Puerto Rico (PR). Over 2,000 people were reached via in-person events and health fairs. Additionally, 18 workshops were imparted in clinical and academic settings. CONCLUSION: Community outreach can be an expensive and labor-intensive task. By establishing partnerships and sharing resources, the PRCCCOP has lowered costs while widely disseminating its educational campaigns and expanding its network outside the traditional academic/health services arena. Collaborating with multisectoral organizations allowed us to increase our presence throughout the island, diversify the types of dissemination mediums, and reach vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Citation Format: Ileska M. Valencia-Torres, Yara Sánchez-Cabrera, María E. Fernández, Vivian Colón-López. The role of multisectoral partnerships in the dissemination of HPV vaccination campaigns in Puerto Rico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A036.

Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccination intent for oropharyngeal cancer prevention among gay and bisexual men living in the United States

BackgroundGay and bisexual men (GBM) are at increased risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Vaccination may prevent OPC in GBM; however, vaccination rates are low. The authors explored the correlates associated with HPV vaccination intent for OPC prevention among GBM. MethodsThe authors conducted a cross-sectional study in which they surveyed 1,700 adult GBM with a profile on 2 online dating sites. Eligibility criteria included self-identified GBM living in the United States, aged 18 through 45 years who had sex with a man in the past 5 years. Factors associated with participants’ HPV vaccination status and intent to vaccinate were assessed via the online questionnaire using the Health Belief Model. ResultsMost of the 1,108 eligible GBM had not received 1 dose or more of the HPV vaccine (54.2%), were aged 27 through 37 years (52.3%), were White (58.3%), identified as cisgender men (93.4%), were gay (79.3%), were in a monogamous relationship (99.4%), and had a bachelor’s degree (29.4%) or higher college education (26.1%). Among unvaccinated GBM, 25.3% reported intent to receive the vaccine. In the multivariable model, independent associations (P < .05) were found for the Health Belief Model constructs (perceived benefits and perceived barriers) with HPV vaccine intent, after adjusting for all other predictor variables in the model. ConclusionsThe benefits of HPV vaccination for the prevention of OPC is associated with intent to vaccinate among GBM. Dental care providers can use this information to educate patients in this high-risk population on prevention of HPV–associated OPC. Practical ImplicationsDentists can advocate for HPV vaccination uptake among GBM patients by means of discussing the benefits of vaccination in the prevention of HPV-associated OPC.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Status and Correlates Among Mid-Adult Women: Connecticut, USA, 2016-2019.

Background: In 2019, the CDC expanded their recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination beyond age 26 years to include shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) among adults aged 27-45 years ("mid-adults"). The purpose of this study was to describe HPV vaccination status among mid-adult women before the implementation of SCDM for HPV vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2016-2019 in Connecticut, United States, and enrolled women born in 1981 or later (birth cohorts eligible for HPV vaccination). This analysis was restricted to participants aged 27 years and older at the time of the survey. Correlates of vaccination status, sources of vaccine information, and reasons for not receiving the vaccine were examined. Results: Among 298 participants, 64.4% had not received HPV vaccine. Other than age (younger age was associated with being vaccinated), no other demographic or behavioral correlates were associated with vaccination. Compared with unvaccinated women, vaccinated women were more likely to have heard about the HPV vaccine from a doctor (odds ratio [OR] = 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.00-5.88) and less likely to have heard about it from television (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.13-0.41). The main reasons for not being vaccinated were "vaccine not offered" (48%) and "too old" (40%). Conclusions: A majority of mid-adult women in this study were not previously vaccinated against HPV, signaling the large opportunity for SCDM with this population. This may be facilitated by ensuring health care providers and mid-adult women know about the availability and potential benefits of HPV vaccination to inform decision making.

An Updated Analysis of the Impact of HPV Vaccination Based on Long-term Effectiveness in the Netherlands.

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the most effective strategy to protect women from cervical cancer. Three HPV vaccines are currently licensed in Europe and, although they are generally supported by favorable health economic outcomes, current models fall short in predicting vaccination benefits. Here, we aim to re-evaluate the health benefits of HPV vaccination, using updated long-term effectiveness data and emphasizing quality of life losses related to pre-cancer disease and treatment. We used a static Markov model that compared "only screening" (includes unvaccinated girls) and "vaccination" (assumes 100% vaccination coverage with the bivalent HPV vaccine). A lifetime cohort of 100,000 uninfected 12-year-old girls was included, in which the number of cases with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher/3 (CIN2+, CIN3), cervical cancer, and cervical cancer deaths per scenario were determined. Furthermore, the reduction in major excisional procedures, the preterm deliveries averted, and the related gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) due to vaccination were estimated. The bivalent vaccine showed larger reductions in CIN2+, CIN3, cervical cancer cases, cervical cancer deaths, and major excisional treatments, after including long-term efficacy and effectiveness data, compared to previous data. Moreover, we observed an increased amount of QALYs gained due to prevention of major excisional treatment and the negative side effects related to it. Updated health economic models for HPV vaccination, using updated and long-term effectiveness data and including prevention of treatment-related side effects, demonstrate a substantial additional positive effect on vaccination outcomes. Indeed, extrapolation of the bivalent HPV vaccine's updated long-term effectiveness data against HPV-related cervical diseases shows that the positive effects of vaccination may be more substantial than previously estimated. There is a graphical abstract available for this article.

Exploring the Barriers and Facilitators Influencing Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Decisions Among South Asian and Chinese Mothers: a Qualitative Study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are safe and effective in preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. However, the HPV vaccine uptake rate is lower among the ethnic minority population than in the majority population. This qualitative study explored the barriers and facilitators influencing South Asian minority and Chinese mothers' decisions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV in Hong Kong. South Asian and Chinese mothers with at least one daughter aged 9 to 17years were recruited to this study. Twenty-two semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted, and the transcripts were analysed via content analysis. Two barriers and three facilitating factors were common among South Asian and Chinese mothers: inadequate knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV or the HPV vaccine and high perceived barriers to HPV vaccination due to vaccine cost, the receipt of reliable information from schools or the government, high perceived benefits of HPV vaccination to health, and the presence of vaccination programme arranged by school or government. Despite these commonalities, South Asian mothers experienced more barriers to making the decision to vaccinate than Chinese mothers. Particularly, obtaining family support was an important factor for South Asian mothers. The vaccination decision was considered a joint decision between the mother and father, and the father's agreement was of particular importance to Pakistani mothers. This study identified the factors that hindered and facilitated South Asian and Chinese mothers' decisions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. The comparison between groups improves our understanding of the distinct needs of South Asian in Hong Kong.

Barriers to HPV Vaccination in Women at a Federally Qualified Health Center [ID: 1377846

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination significantly decreases the rate of HPV-related diseases; however, vaccine uptake is limited in the United States. New York State set a goal of 80% HPV vaccination by 2023. First-dose rates at our Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in 2021 were 68% in girls aged 13–19 years and 31% in women aged 20–29 years. Little research surrounding barriers to HPV vaccination in adults exists. METHODS: An anonymized survey was distributed to providers at a network of FQHCs using REDCap. Question domains included provider demographics, provider attitudes, and practices. Questions were subdivided by patient age group. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. RESULTS: Our response rate was 15%. Respondent specialties included family practice (49%), women's health (27%), pediatrics (13%), and internal medicine (11%). Frequency of vaccine recommendation decreased as patient age increased. Most common barriers for vaccination included previous vaccination, parental or patient objection, and lack of time for counseling. Additional barriers in the 19–45 age group included concerns about efficacy and cost. Common reasons for patient refusal included objection to vaccination, feeling low risk for infection, lack of knowledge, and side effect concerns. CONCLUSION: The expansion of HPV vaccination eligibility to include women aged 27–45 in 2018 provided an opportunity to protect more patients against HPV-related diseases. Patient and provider knowledge about HPV risk and vaccine efficacy can limit the implementation. Significant barriers for vaccine administration included the lack of provider engagement, knowledge about the vaccine, and time for counseling. This study underscores the need for provider and patient education about the benefits of HPV vaccination, especially in the 19–45 age group.

Promoting HPV Vaccination in People with HIV: Factors to Consider.

People with HIV (PWH) and their sexual partners have increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Despite recommended HPV vaccination for PWH aged 18-26 years, vaccination rates among PWH remain low. This qualitative study used the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMBS) model to identify factors influencing the decisions of PWH around promoting HPV vaccination to their sexual partners. Fourteen PWH with diverse sociodemographic characteristics participated in four focus-group discussions. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis; codes and themes included IMBS constructs. For the information construct, the need for improved HPV education emerged as the driving factor for HPV vaccine uptake and discussing HPV vaccines with partners. Focal reasons for being unvaccinated included low knowledge of HPV risk, asymptomatic cancer-causing HPV, HPV vaccines, and vaccine eligibility. Salient factors in the motivation construct included the preventive benefits of HPV vaccination to both self and sexual partners. Salient factors in the behavioral skills construct included: accessing vaccine, low self-confidence and skills for promoting vaccination, relationships with sexual partners, partners' vaccine hesitancy, and stigma. Race/ethnicity impacted HPV vaccination promotion; important determinants included perceptions of HPV-related diseases as "White people's diseases" among Black people, and discrimination against those with HPV-related diseases among the Hispanic population.

The Factors and Benefits of HPV Vaccination on Males

A common globally infection source transmited by sex is human papillomavirus (HPV) , and vaccines are an effective means of suppression. Although men have played an essential role in HPV transmission, low vaccination intention of the male has been found. Studies of male HPV vaccination acceptance have focused on exploration variables to research predictors that influence the willingness. Most studies have involved only a few variables and lack systematic integration. The report explored cues to actions, perceived barriers, and advantages of male vaccination issues from the perspective of factors influencing male HPV vaccination by reviewing the literature. The study found that cues to actions containing the parents' attitude, the media and health care workers as the source and its narrative, the acceptance of their peers, coverage of health insurance, as well as the benefits of prevention as the primary purpose are closely associated with vaccination. Low levels of knowledge, low degree of risk perception, shame, and skepticism might interfere with male vaccination as the main blocks. This result would be conducive to the targeted promotion of HPV jab and the rise of the vaccination rate among men of the appropriate age.

“Why is it so necessary?”: African American Parents’ Perspectives on Delaying and Refusing HPV Vaccination

IntroductionThis study aimed to describe the perspectives of parents who had delayed and refused human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their children, even when it was discussed or recommended by a health care provider, and to identify the factors related to vaccine hesitancy. MethodTwenty predominantly African American parents of children aged 11-17 years were recruited from various community clinics and organizations to participate in focus groups about their decision-making regarding HPV vaccination. Using deductive content analysis and the Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants Matrix, we describe their perspectives and influences on vaccination decision-making. ResultsMultiple reasons emerged, which included concerns about the age of children, perceived discrimination and mistrust based on race and socioeconomic status, and vaccine safety. DiscussionFindings support the development of targeted interventions that address vaccine safety concerns, mistrust, patient-provider communication, and parent education about the benefits of HPV vaccination.

The Effect of a Web-Based Cervical Cancer Survivor's Story on Parents' Behavior and Willingness to Consider Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Daughters: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundProviding adequate information to parents who have children eligible for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is essential to overcoming vaccine hesitancy in Japan, where the government recommendation has been suspended. However, prior trials assessing the effect of brief educational tools have shown only limited effects on increasing the willingness of parents to vaccinate their daughters.ObjectiveThe aim of this trial is to assess the effect of a cervical cancer survivor’s story on the willingness of parents to get HPV vaccination for their daughters.MethodsIn this double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) implemented online, we enrolled 2175 participants aged 30-59 years in March 2020 via a webpage and provided them with a questionnaire related to the following aspects: awareness regarding HPV infection and HPV vaccination, and willingness for HPV vaccination. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to see a short film on a cervical cancer survivor or nothing, stratified by sex (male vs female) and willingness for HPV vaccination prior to randomization (yes vs no). The primary endpoint was the rate of parents who agreed for HPV vaccination for their daughters. The secondary endpoint was the rate of parents who agreed for HPV vaccination for their daughters and the HPV vaccination rate at 3 months. The risk ratio (RR) was used to assess the interventional effect.ResultsOf 2175 participants, 1266 (58.2%) were men and 909 (41.8%) were women. A total of 191 (8.8%) participants were willing to consider HPV vaccination prior to randomization. Only 339 (15.6%) participants were aware of the benefits of HPV vaccination. In contrast, 562 (25.8%) participants were aware of the adverse events of HPV vaccination. Although only 476 (21.9%) of the respondents displayed a willingness to vaccinate their daughters for HPV, there were 7.5% more respondents in the intervention group with this willingness immediately after watching the short film (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20-1.66). In a subanalysis, the willingness in males to vaccinate daughters was significantly higher in the intervention group (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.25-1.81); however, such a difference was not observed among females (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.88-1.66). In the follow-up survey at 3 months, 1807 (83.1%) participants responded. Of these, 149 (8.2%) responded that they had had their daughters receive vaccination during the 3 months, even though we could not see the effect of the intervention: 77 (7.9%) in the intervention group and 72 (8.7%) in the control group.ConclusionsA cervical cancer survivor’s story increases immediate willingness to consider HPV vaccination, but the effect does not last for 3 months. Furthermore, this narrative approach to parents does not increase vaccination rates in children eligible for HPV vaccination.Trial RegistrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000039273; https://tinyurl.com/bdzjp4yf

Impact of the Threat of COVID-19 Infections on the Perceived Risk to HPV Vaccination.

Vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV) in Japan are significantly lower than other countries, and Japanese people are reluctant to be vaccinated. Repeated daily reports of COVID-19 infections and restrictions have made people more health conscious and aware of the danger of infectious diseases. In this study, we used the health belief model (HBM) to examine perceived threats of cancer and infectious diseases and to ascertain whether the new COVID-19 vaccination in addition to these perceived threats would increase vaccination intention against cervical cancer. We conducted a cluster analysis to classify the segmentation regarding the perceived threat, and a logistic regression analysis to predict factors influencing people accepting vaccination. We received 1257 completed surveys during our research. We classified the participants into six clusters, and the logistic regression analysis indicated eight factors significantly associated with the willingness to get the HPV vaccine: reliable information sources such as doctors and social networking sites (SNS), the recognition of COVID-19 symptoms, the awareness of COVID-19 vaccination, the importance of HPV prevention through vaccination, one’s own intention of COVID-19 vaccination, their intention of COVID-19 vaccination toward children, and benefits of HPV vaccination. Further research on HPV and COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged.

HPV Vaccination: An Underused Strategy for the Prevention of Cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prevents cervical, head and neck, and anogenital cancers. However, global HPV vaccine coverage falls short of global targets and has seen unexpected and dramatic declines in some countries. This paper synthesizes the impact of HPV on the global burden of cancer and the potential benefit of HPV vaccination. Approximately 5% of the world’s cancers are specifically attributed to HPV. While the greatest global burden of HPV is cervical cancers in low- and middle-income countries, HPV-associated head and neck cancers are increasing in high-income countries and have surpassed cervical cancer as the primary HPV-associated cancer in some countries. Therefore, it is also critical to improve gender-neutral HPV vaccination. Understanding the modifiable drivers of vaccine acceptance and uptake is important for increasing HPV vaccination. The Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination framework is broadly applied to identify key factors associated with HPV vaccination including domains concerning practical issues, motivation, social processes, and thinking and feeling. Among the behavioural strategies available to reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer, increasing HPV vaccination stands out as having unrealized potential to prevent disease, financial cost, and psychological distress. An understanding of the shifting burden of HPV and the factors associated with vaccination can be leveraged to regularly measure these factors, develop interventions to promote vaccine uptake, and improve global HPV vaccine coverage. Future research in diverse contexts is necessary to investigate the barriers and facilitators of global HPV vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Effect on Incidence of in Situ and Invasive Squamous Cell Cancer of the Vulva, 2001-2018 [A322

INTRODUCTION: A recent study found that the incidence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva (VSCC) is increasing among U.S. women, but rates of VSCC in situ (VIS) have not been reported since 2000. In 2008, indications for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine were extended to include prevention of vulvar cancers. To examine its impact, we compared 2001–2018 incidence trends of VIS and VSCC among different populations of U.S. women. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of 88,942 vulvar cancer cases among adults aged 20 years and older reported in the U.S. Cancer Statistics 2001-2018 databases. We stratified data by tumor behavior (in situ/invasive) and age (20-44, 45-64, 65+ years old), race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic), and U.S. census region (Northeast, South, Midwest, West). Incidence rates and annual percentage changes (APC) were calculated by group. RESULTS: VIS incidence significantly decreased from 2001 to 2018 (APC –4.3, 95% CI –4.7 to −3.8) among all groups. Invasive VSCC decreased among 20- to 44-year old women (APC –0.8, 95% CI –1.3 to −0.3), but increased among older women. Regardless of tumor behavior, incidence was highest among non-Hispanic White women and those living in the Midwest. CONCLUSION: Rates of VIS are decreasing in women of all ages over 20 years old as well as in invasive VSCC among vaccine-eligible 20- to 44-year-old women. Since the trend began before the vaccine was available, this is probably due to multiple factors. Additional time is needed to fully realize the benefit of HPV vaccination on this cancer.

Adolescent girls’ recommendations for the design of a human papillomavirus vaccination program in Sindh, Pakistan: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Purpose Vaccination of adolescent girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) significantly reduces the incidence of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are available in Pakistan but plans to develop HPV vaccination program are at a nascent stage. We conducted a formative study to explore adolescent girls’ knowledge and perspectives on HPV and cervical cancer and collect their recommendations for implementing an HPV vaccination program in their community. Methods Using qualitative exploratory study design, we conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 12 adolescent girls per group in District West, Karachi. We recruited unmarried girls aged 16–19 years from schools and community settings between May—December 2020. Data analysis was done using NVivo. Results Overall, participants displayed a positive attitude toward HPV vaccine. However, they were unfamiliar with basic concepts related to female reproductive health. Female relatives were indicated as girls’ preferred point of contact for discussions on HPV and cervical cancer, but fathers were portrayed as decision-making authority on vaccination. Participants indicated vaccine hesitancy among parents may affect HPV vaccination uptake. Girls suggested individual household visits and community-based camps as strategies for successful implementation of HPV vaccination program. A solid foundation of trust between girls’ families, program managers, and other stakeholders emerged as a key asset for the program’s success. Conclusion Adolescent girls’ suggestions of informing key decision-makers in the family (particularly fathers) of the benefits of HPV vaccination, establishing trust with vaccine providers, and increasing accessibility of vaccinations should be explored for successful implementation of an HPV vaccination program in Pakistan.

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in the Prevention of Recurrence in Women Conized for HSIL/CIN 2-3: The VENUS Study

Background: Recent data have shown that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could impact on a decrease in high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in women who have undergone surgical treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination against persistent/recurrent disease in patients undergoing conization for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-grade 2-3 (HSIL/CIN 2-3). Methods: From January 2009 to March 2019, 563 patients with HSIL/CIN 2-3 underwent conization. The population was divided into two groups according to vaccination status: vaccinated-group (V-Group) and non-vaccinated-group (NV-Group). Bivalent or quadrivalent vaccines were administered indiscriminately. A follow-up was scheduled every 6–12 months according to clinical guidelines. The mean follow-up was 29.6 vs. 36.5 months in the V-group and NV-group, respectively. Results: 277 (49.2%) women were vaccinated, while 286 (50.8%) were not. Overall, persistent/recurrent HSIL/CIN 2-3 was presented by 12/277 (4.3%) women in the V-Group and 28/286 (9.8%) in the NV-Group (HR: 0.43, 95% Confidence interval 0.22–0.84, p = 0.014). Vaccination was associated with a 57% reduction in HSIL persistence/recurrence after treatment. When no disease was present in the first 6-month follow-up visit, persistence/recurrence rates were very low in both groups: 1.1% in the V-Group vs. 1.5% in the NV-Group (p > 0.05). The factor associated with a high-risk of HSIL persistence/recurrence was the presentation of a positive co-test in the first control after treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results corroborate the benefit of HPV vaccination in woman treated for HSIL/CIN 2-3, showing a reduction of persistent/recurrent HSIL/CIN 2-3.

“We don’t have the same bodies; we don’t react the same way”: mothers and adolescent girls’ perceptions of the risks and benefits of HPV vaccination in France

ABSTRACT Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is one of the most publicly mistrusted vaccines in Europe, with countries such as France struggling with low vaccine uptake due to parental questioning of vaccine risks and benefits. However, limited evidence exists on adolescent girls’ perceptions of the risks and benefits of HPV vaccination. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide an in-depth exploration and comparison of French mothers (n = 21) and adolescent girls’ (n = 36) perceptions of the risks and benefits of HPV vaccination. A thematic analysis showed that adolescent girls and mothers perceived the risks and benefits of HPV vaccination differently, with girls reporting positive and beneficial views and emotions toward vaccination and mothers expressing concerns about possible risks. Adolescent girls also reported that both perceptions and actual risks and benefits may vary from one individual to another. Vaccine safety was also understood differently, with mothers reporting a widespread view that vaccines are unsafe and focusing on controversial side effects and girls discussing short-term consequences of vaccination (e.g. pain, fever) and administration and storage issues. Strategies to improve uptake of HPV vaccination should consider and address both the mothers’ and daughters’ perceptions and understandings of HPV vaccination.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination: A cross-sectional study of college students’ knowledge, awareness, and attitudes in Villanova, PA

Human papillomaviruses are major causative agents of multiple cancers including cervical, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Almost all sexually active individuals are exposed to HPV in their lifetime and although not all HPV genotypes are capable of causing cancers, several high-risk subtypes widely circulate. Several HPV vaccines have been developed and successfully utilized to limit the spread of these viruses and reduce rates of associated cancers. Despite their success, HPV vaccination rates in the United States remain low. Studies estimate the highest prevalence of HPV in the United States is among college students. This makes college students an important target for interventions that promote HPV vaccination and prevention. To this end, we were interested in investigating the relationship between low HPV vaccine uptake and attitudes and awareness about HPV vaccination among college aged students. We designed a survey to assess knowledge and perception of HPV and HPV vaccination that could help identify correlations between this knowledge and vaccination status. Overall, the data suggest that factors beyond basic knowledge about HPV infections, such as vaccine safety and social acceptance of vaccination, may have important impacts on vaccination rates. More robust education in these areas, supplemented with education about the benefits of HPV vaccination could be utilized to improve vaccination rates.

Benefits of HPV vaccination

A high-frequency occurence of different pathologies in­duced by the infection caused by the human papilloma­virus (HPV) infection is reported in GP practices. These show up in different shapes, sizes and on different regions of the body. Most common requests come from patients who exhibit vulgar or plantar warts, papiloma, acuminate con­dy­lo­ma and, last but not least, different degrees of dys­pla­sia of the cervix. As there is no definitive curative treatment to date and because of the multitude of long-term risks, the safest and most noninvasive approach is prevention, carried out by an active vaccination of the general public aged 9-45, ideally before sexual activity starts, at 11-12 years of age, respectively.

Factors Predicting Mothers' Intention toward Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination of Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study Among Iranian Families.

Background:Adolescents are prone to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Although HPV is a preventable disease, the vaccination rate is low. As parents should vaccinate their children to prevent HPV, the goal of this study was to identify the factors related to mother's intention to vaccinate adolescents against HPV.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was performed in Qazvin from 2019 to 2020. The participants included 126 literate mothers who had a daughter between 12 and 14 years and health system information registry. To collect the data, a questionnaire was made based on the educational model of behavioral intent. Parents were interviewed in person in health centers or via phone at home. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation.Results:The mean (SD) age of the mothers, fathers, and girls were 39.60 (6.18), 43.51 (7.58), 13 (0.82) years, respectively. They hadn't received education regarding HPV. The mean (SD) of the knowledge, attitude, and HPV vaccination intention scores were 27.77 (18.08), 67.38 (10.25), and 15.44 (18.44), respectively. The factors related to HPV vaccination intention were parents' knowledge (r = 0.29, p = 0.001), positive attitude (r = 0.22, p = 0.010), parents' education (r = 0.22, p = 0.050) and family income (r = 0.21, p = 0.010).Conclusions:The high cost of vaccines, economic problems, and lack of knowledge were strong limitations for HPV vaccination. Thus, health workers should have informed parents and teens of the benefits of HPV vaccination. This process should be supported by policy makers.

Effect of a Brief Web-Based Educational Intervention on Willingness to Consider Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Children in Japan: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rate in Japan has fallen to nearly zero since the suspension of governmental proactive recommendations in 2013, owing to the development of purported adverse events.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a brief web-based educational intervention using the theory of behavioral insights on the willingness of adults to consider the HPV vaccine for their daughters and sons.MethodsWe recruited 1660 participants aged 20 years or older in March 2018 via a webpage and provided them with a 10-item questionnaire related to the following aspects: awareness regarding HPV infection and vaccination, willingness for immunization, and actions for prevention. We randomly stratified participants based on sex and age with or without a brief educational intervention involving scientific information presented in an easy-to-read format.ResultsOnly 484 (29.2%) of the respondents were aware of the benefits of HPV vaccination. Although only 352 (21.2%) of the respondents displayed a willingness for immunization of their daughters, there were 40 (4.8%) more respondents in the intervention group with this willingness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.69). In a subanalysis, the willingness toward vaccination for daughters in men was significantly higher in the intervention group (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.05-2.02). However, such a difference was not observed among women (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 0.83-1.73).ConclusionsThis study suggests that a brief web-based educational intervention increases the willingness of adults to consider the HPV vaccine for their children, especially among men. Thus, providing adequate information to men may be a useful strategy to improve the currently low rates of HPV vaccination.Trial RegistrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000049745 (UMIN-CTR); https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000049745