Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Education Research Articles

The Effect of Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Education on Vaccination Perception in University Students: A Quasi-Experimental Controlled Educational Intervention.

Purpose: The study investigated the impact of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine education on university students' vaccination perceptions. Methods: This research was conducted with pre- posttest and quasi-experimental design with students enrolled in the department of health services of a university. The sample of the study consisted of 87 students (n = 43 in the intervention group, n = 44 in the control group). Research data were collected between June 29 and July 22, 2022, using the Introductory Information Form and HPV Information Scale. An informative training program about cervical cancer and HPV was applied to the intervention group. This training program was carried out in two separate sessions. In the first session, information was given about the prevalence, pathology, and risk factors of cervical cancer. In the second session, general information about HPV, details about the vaccine, and vaccination programs were given. Training sessions are organized as small group discussions and seminars covering relevant topics. Results: In our study, the average age of our students was 20.7 ± 2.5 years, and in both groups, the proportion of students who did not know about HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, was quite high (74.4%, 68.2%). The majority of the control and intervention groups needed health education about STDs. There were statistically significant differences between the control and intervention groups in terms of the pre-test and posttest Knowledge of HPV Scale scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that the education on cervical cancer and HPV positively affected the perspectives of the students on vaccination. Interactive and group-oriented education increases knowledge sharing by encouraging interaction among students. In this way, a broader knowledge base about cervical cancer and HPV can be created, and misinformation can be corrected.

Abstract B078: Tailoring human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine outreach for rural and Hispanic communities in Washington state: A modified Boot Camp Translation approach

Abstract Introductory sentences indicating the purposes of the study: Using a modified version of Boot Camp Translation (BCT), a validated community participatory approach, we co-created locally relevant and culturally appropriate human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination materials and messages for parents and caregivers of HPV vaccine-eligible children in Washington state. Brief description of pertinent experimental procedures: The HPV vaccine, recommended for children starting at age 9, reduces the risk of HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. However, HPV vaccine rates are significantly lower in rural regions compared to urban areas. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a large federally qualified health center in Washington state, we used a modified BCT approach to elicit input from parents and caregivers of HPV-vaccine eligible children to develop materials and messages that motivate parents to vaccinate their children. Eligible participants were parents or caregivers of children between the ages of 9-15 who had at least one vaccination, spoke English or Spanish, and were able to participate in the entire BCT process. Two BCT sessions were conducted (one in English and one in Spanish), both consisting of three meetings over a four-month period. The sessions included a five-hour in-person meeting in Aberdeen, Washington (English) and Bellingham, Washington (Spanish), and two one-hour follow-up virtual calls for each language. The in-person meetings included HPV vaccine education by Sea Mar providers and an expert in HPV research, discussions on HPV knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to vaccination, and small group discussions to generate HPV messages and materials. The follow-up calls gathered feedback on drafted materials and messages. Summary of the new unpublished data: Eight parents or caregivers participated in the English session and nine participated in the Spanish session. Key themes identified to incorporate in messages and materials included: stressing the benefits of vaccination, highlighting research on the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, including statistics and images of both girls and boys, reporting local statistics, spelling out HPV in materials, and emphasizing the words “prevent” and “protection” from cancers/infections later in a child’s life. The preferred materials and dissemination methods included: fact sheets and brochures (available in the clinic, mailed home, or in school nurses’ offices), posters (displayed in the clinic lobby and exam rooms), and animated videos (played on the clinic lobby TV and texted to parents’ phones). Participants also requested live phone calls from Sea Mar to discuss the importance of the vaccine and assist with vaccine scheduling. Final materials will be showcased.Statement of conclusions: We used a modified BCT approach to incorporate participant feedback to develop HPV vaccine messages and materials and identified preferred dissemination channels for rural communities in Washington state. Citation Format: Priyanka Gautom, Jamie H. Thompson, Jennifer S. Rivelli, Ludy Villegas, Anna C. Edelmann, Katherine Vaughn, Becca Slagle, Stephen Gubler, Kaila Christini, Amanda F. Petrik, Gloria D. Coronado, Deanna Kepka. Tailoring human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine outreach for rural and Hispanic communities in Washington state: A modified Boot Camp Translation approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B078.

Assessing Saudi women’s awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and their susceptibility to receive the vaccine

ABSTRACT Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide, with human papillomavirus (HPV) being the primary cause. This study aimed to assess Saudi women’s awareness and knowledge of HPV, determine their information sources, and evaluate their intention to receive the HPV vaccine. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 654 Saudi females aged 18 to 60 years from January to May 2023. The results revealed that 60.85% of the participants had heard about HPV, but only 8.25% had received the HPV vaccination. Despite the low vaccination rate, 71.11% of the respondents expressed willingness to receive the vaccine. Educational level was the significant predictor of the vaccine awareness and acceptance. The internet and social media were the most prevalent sources of information about HPV. The study highlights the need for additional education about HPV-related diseases and vaccination among Saudi women. Although there is a high level of HPV vaccine acceptance, the lack of knowledge suggests that targeted educational interventions are necessary to increase awareness and promote vaccination uptake. These findings can inform public health strategies to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia through improved HPV vaccination coverage and education.

"That Was an Eye Opener for Me": Mixed-Methods Outcomes Educating Texas Community Health Workers on HPV Vaccination Using Project ECHO®.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to cause six different types of cancer. HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of these cancers. Community health workers (CHWs) have the potential to drive HPV vaccination demand through education and navigation by addressing vaccine hesitancy and dis/misinformation and by reaching non-English speaking, vulnerable, or rural populations. Despite their possible reach, there is limited research on HPV vaccination education programs for CHWs. In 2020-2021, the American Cancer Society (ACS) HPV Cancer Free Texas (HPVCFT) Project implemented the eight-session Mission: HPVCFT Vaccination ECHO-CHW Program ten times. This manuscript details the program's implementation processes and outcomes. The program used the Project ECHO model and was offered in both English and Spanish. One hundred and forty-six Texan CHWs completed pre- and post-training surveys. The participants demonstrated significant HPV vaccination knowledge increases and desirable shifts in their foundational HPV vaccination beliefs, including the belief that the HPV vaccine is for cancer prevention. The participants also reported increased confidence in communicating about the HPV vaccine in the community. Improving knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in HPV vaccination is the first step in addressing concerns and increasing uptake. Future research and interventions are needed to better understand how CHWs can be more systematically linked to vaccination opportunities or provided with clearer paths for directing patients to providers that vaccinate.

Stakeholders' Perceptions on the Implementation of the HPV Vaccine School-Entry Requirement in Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study explored the implementation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine school-entry requirement in Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and community-based organizations from August 2021 to March 2022. The interview guide was developed using the 2009 Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The interviews were recorded and transcribed in Spanish. Data were analyzed using applied thematic techniques. These themes included the following: (i) Intervention characteristics: Participants noted that the school-entry requirement was effective in increasing vaccination uptake prior to the pandemic. Issues with the immunization registry were noted; (ii) Outer setting: External influences, access barriers, and an increase in HPV vaccine exemptions since the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine were discussed; (iii) Inner setting: Communication within organizations and HPV vaccination efforts improved as the pandemic progressed; (iv) Characteristics of individuals: Most agreed with the school-entry requirement, including exemptions; and (v) Process: Results showed the need to reinforce the population's education about HPV and the vaccine. Implementation of the policy was challenging during the early stages of the pandemic due to measures enacted to stop the spread of COVID-19 and focus on the COVID-19 vaccine. Efforts to increase HPV vaccine should focus on increasing HPV vaccine education and creating collaborations.

STEPS (Study To Examine Parent, Patient/Dental Provider Systems)to Prevent Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Cancers: A Piloted Dental Patient and Provider Evaluation of Current and Future HPV Education.

Oropharyngeal human papillomavirus (HPV) cancers are prevalent, but HPV education in dental clinics is uncommon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental provider and patient knowledge from, attitudes towards, and preferences for HPV education, then assess perceptions of existing HPV educational materials for use at dental visits. Appalachian Ohio dental patients (n = 13) and general/pediatric dental providers (n = 10) completed an initial, close-ended survey on current HPV knowledge and HPV educational attitudes, participation, and resource preferences. Select individuals reviewed existing HPV educational videos and toolkits via virtual focus groups (n = 9) or independent review surveys (n = 6). Using a discussion guide, participants responded to overall, visual, auditory, and content satisfaction statements, orally (focus groups) or with Likert scales (independent reviews). Surveys were summarized with frequencies/percentages; transcripts were qualitatively coded to identify potential material modifications. Dental providers and patients were more comfortable with HPV and oral cancer education (87% and 96%, respectively) and screening (96%) than with HPV vaccine education (74%) and referrals (61%) during dental visits. Providers were neither sharing HPV educational materials (80%) nor initiating educational conversations with dental patients (100%). The American Cancer Society videos and the "Team Maureen" toolkit were the most liked resources (i.e., fewer negative/disagree statements) by all participant groups. Findings indicate that future dentalHPV educational efforts should be informed by currently available materials. Additional interventions are needed to promote dental provider discussions and sharing of educational materials with patients to increase education and promotion of the HPV vaccine and reduce oropharyngeal cancers.

"You Don't Know If It's the Truth or a Lie": Exploring Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Hesitancy among Communities with Low HPV Vaccine Uptake in Northern California.

Vaccine hesitancy, delaying or refusing to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines, impedes the progress of achieving optimal HPV vaccine coverage. Little is known about the sources of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy among racially/ethnically and geographically diverse communities. The purpose of this paper is to explore HPV vaccine hesitancy among rural, Slavic, and Latino communities that reside in counties with low HPV vaccine uptake rates. Key informant interviews and focus groups were conducted with rural, Slavic, and Latino communities that reside within counties in California that have low HPV vaccine up to date rates (16-25%). Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. A total of seven focus groups and 14 key informant interviews were conducted with 39 individuals from seven California counties. Salient themes that contributed to HPV vaccine hesitancy included the following: social media and the anti-vaccination movement; a strong belief in acquiring immunity naturally; prior vaccine experiences; and vaccine timing concerns. Participants suggested the provision of culturally appropriate, in-language, in-person easy to understand HPV vaccine education to mitigate HPV vaccine hesitancy. Our findings can inform future interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake among hesitant communities.

Opportunities for HPV vaccine education in school-based immunization programs in British Columbia, Canada: A qualitative study.

Despite the availability of school-based immunization programs (SBIPs) in Canada, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains suboptimal. Vaccine education may improve vaccine uptake among adolescents. The objective of this qualitative study was to identify opportunities for HPV vaccine education in British Columbia, Canada, by exploring the perspectives of students, parents, school staff, and public health nurses on the current SBIP. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult participants and focus groups were conducted with grade 6 students between November 2019 and May 2020. The interviews and focus groups were transcribed and then analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Opportunities for HPV vaccine education were identified in three themes: 1) making SBIPs student-centered; 2) adopting a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to vaccine education; and 3) actualizing parent education opportunities. Broad support existed for a formal, collaborative HPV grade 6 vaccine curriculum delivered by teachers and public health nurses to provide evidence-based health information. Participants voiced that the curriculum should integrate students' perspectives on topics of interest and address needle associated pain and anxiety. Parents were identified as the primary vaccine decisionmakers, therefore, participants stated it was crucial to also provide parent-directed vaccine education as part of SBIP. Our findings support the development of a collaborative HPV vaccine curriculum directed to and informed by students and parents to buttress current SBIPs in British Columbia.

Exploring human papillomavirus vaccine hesitancy among college students and the potential of virtual reality technology to increase vaccine acceptance: a mixed-methods study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancers in men and women. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, HPV vaccination coverage remains suboptimal among college students. Literature showed that hesitancy for HPV vaccination is a leading barrier to the uptake in this group. However, prior interventions have shown limitations in reducing HPV vaccine hesitancy in college students. Thus, this study examined a conventional educational approach using a vaccine information statement (VIS), and subsequently explored college students' HPV vaccine hesitancy and the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology to overcoming the limitations of interventional efforts. We employed a mixed-methods design along with convenience sampling, constituting a one-way pre- and post-intervention (HPV VIS) survey (Study A) and individual interviews (Study B). All data collections occurred with 44 college students at an urban public university at the mid-south region of the U.S. between October 2022 and April 2023. Study A assessed changes in HPV vaccination outcomes including knowledge, beliefs/attitudes, vaccine hesitancy, and intentions. Study B measured college students' primary reasons for HPV vaccine hesitancy and preferred strategies for the vaccination promotion including VR-based education. We conducted paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test for quantitative data and framework analysis for qualitative data. Participants reported significant improvements in knowledge [t(43) = 6.68, p < 0.001] regarding HPV vaccination between before and after reading the HPV VIS. No change was observed in beliefs/attitudes, vaccine hesitancy, and intentions. The framework analysis revealed college students' reasons for HPV vaccine hesitancy, needed information, and preferred strategies along with the potential of VR technology for future HPV vaccination education. The findings provided essential information on designing HPV vaccination information focused on vaccine hesitancy among college students. Future research should consider these findings in developing interventions including VR to increasing HPV vaccine acceptance among college students.

A qualitative study of ethnic Korean women and men's experiences of HPV and HPV vaccination in the United States

ABSTRACT Introduction Approximately 42.5% of adults aged 18–59 in the United States is estimated to be affected by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, Asian Americans have the lowest HPV vaccination initiation rate compared to other racial groups. This study aims to explore the experiences of HPV and the HPV vaccination among ethnic Korean women and men in the United States. Methods A total of 33 ethnic Korean and Korean Americans aged 27–45 years living in the U.S. were recruited via word-of-mouth and social media using a purposive sampling strategy. They participated in an online survey. Of the 33 participants, 29 (14 females and 15 males) participated in in-depth interviews via password-protected Zoom. A content analysis approach was used to analyze the interviews. Results Only 32% of participants had received the HPV vaccine at least once (female: 35.3%, male: 12.5%). Six major themes emerged from data analysis: (1) awareness of HPV, HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers; (2) attitudes toward the HPV vaccine; (3) barriers to HPV vaccination; (4) women's experiences and preferences for pap smear testing; (5) experiences with HPV diagnosis; and (6) HPV and HPV vaccination education preferences. Conclusion The findings highlight cultural factors that may impede the discussion about and uptake of HPV vaccination and HPV-associated cancer screening, which emphasize the need for culturally appropriate interventions to overcome stigma around HPV and enhance vaccination rates. Healthcare providers should consider ethnic and cross-cultural differences perceptions to effectively HPV-related health information. This study provides insight into the experiences and understanding of HPV and vaccination among ethnic Korean men and women, laying the groundwork for developing culturally-tailored programs that sim to increase HPV vaccination rates and mitigate the stigma and impact of HPV-related disease in this community.

Primary Prevention of Cancer: A Multilevel Approach to Behavioral Risk Factor Reduction in Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Groups.

Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death in the United States. Racially and ethnically minoritized populations continue to experience disparities in cancer prevention compared with majority populations. Multilevel interventions-from policy, communities, health care institutions, clinical teams, families, and individuals-may be uniquely suited to reducing health disparities through behavioral risk factor modification in these populations. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of the evidence for primary prevention among racially and ethnically minoritized subpopulations in the United States. We focus on the epidemiology of tobacco use, obesity, diet and physical activity, alcohol use, sun exposure, and smoking, as well as increasing uptake of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV), as mutable behavioral risk factors. We describe interventions at the policy level, including raising excise taxes on tobacco products; within communities and with community partners, for safe greenways and parks, and local healthful food; health care institutions, with reminder systems for HPV vaccinations; among clinicians, by screening for alcohol use and providing tailored weight reduction approaches; families, with HPV education; and among individuals, routinely using sun protection. A multilevel approach to primary prevention of cancer can modify many of the risk factors in racially and ethnically minoritized populations for whom cancer is already a burden.

Parental intention to vaccinate daughters with the human papillomavirus vaccine in Korea: a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

We aimed to identify and compare the characteristics and factors associated with parental intention to vaccinate daughters under 12 years old against human papillomavirus (HPV), examining data from 2016 and 2020. Data were obtained from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey conducted in 2016 and 2020. The present study included 3,510 parents with daughters under 12 years old. Changes in parental intention-to-vaccinate rates were calculated. To identify factors associated with parental intention to vaccinate their daughters, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used. The percentage of respondents intending to vaccinate their daughters increased from 33.4% in 2016 to 58.9% in 2020, constituting a 25.5 percentage point (%p) increase. Since 2016, the proportion of men expressing positive intention towards HPV vaccination increased by 31.5%p, while that of women demonstrated a 20.9%p increase. Logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with a strong intention to vaccinate their daughters tended to be younger, more educated, and aware of the free vaccination program available, as well as to have a history of HPV vaccination and to have undergone cervical cancer screening within 2 years, compared to those who did not intend to vaccinate. Being a mother with a history of HPV vaccination was the strongest predictor of positive intention to vaccinate a daughter. The intention among parents to vaccinate daughters remains relatively low, although it is rising. To increase the HPV vaccination rate, strong recommendations and education should be provided to parents and the younger generation.

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

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&gt;.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.

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.

Barriers and supports for uptake of human papillomavirus vaccination in Indigenous people globally: A systematic review.

Despite the availability of effective and safe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines that reduce the incidence and impact of cervical cancer and other cancers, HPV vaccine coverage rates remain persistently low and the cervical cancer burden disproportionately high among Indigenous people globally. This study aimed to systematically identify, appraise, and summarize the literature on documented barriers and supports to HPV vaccination in Indigenous populations internationally. Forty-three studies were included and an inductive, qualitative, thematic synthesis was applied. We report on 10 barrier themes and 7 support themes to vaccine uptake, and provide a quantitative summary of metrics. Focusing on Indigenous perspectives reported in the literature, we propose recommendations on community-research collaboration, culturally safe intergenerational and gender-equitable community HPV vaccine education, as well as multi-level transparency to ensure informed consent is secured in the context of reciprocal relationships. Although the voices of key informant groups (e.g., HPV-vaccine eligible youth and community Elders) are underrepresented in the literature, the identification of barriers and supports to HPV vaccination in a global Indigenous context might help inform researchers and health policy makers who aim to improve HPV vaccine uptake in Indigenous populations.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in Wenzhou, China: a cross-sectional study of 127 938 outpatient women

ObjectivesUnderstanding the prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) is critical for managing HPV vaccination programmes. Using a retrospective cross-sectional study, we examined long-term trends of HPV prevalence in...

Assessment of Oral Human Papillomavirus Prevalence in Pediatric and Adult Patients within a Multi-Ethnic Clinic Population.

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) encompasses a large family of oncogenic viruses responsible for increasing rates of both cervical and oral cancer, particularly among minority and low-income populations. Although this represents an increasingly significant public health risk, few studies have screened for oral HPV within Nevada. Based upon this information, the primary objective of this study was to provide a temporal analysis of oral HPV screening among a primarily low-income, minority patient population. Methods: This retrospective analysis was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). In brief, unstimulated saliva samples were previously obtained from clinical patient volunteers who provided informed consent and pediatric assent (if applicable). DNA was isolated and screened using spectrophotometry for quality (A260:A280 ratio > 1.70) and quantity (concentration > 100 ng). Validated qPCR primers were used to screen repository samples for high-risk HPV strains HPV16 and HPV18. Results: A total of N = 930 samples were identified for this study, which involved n = 555 samples from adults and n = 375 from pediatric patients treated between 2011 and 2019. A demographic analysis revealed nearly equal distribution between males and females with most derived from non-White (minority) patients. A qPCR screening revealed an overall increase in high-risk HPV of 3.17-fold from 5.7% in 2011 to 18.1% in 2019 and a coefficient of determination or R2 = 0.764, suggesting a strong, positive correlation between more recent sample years and HPV-positive results, which was observed among both pediatric (R2 = 0.671) and adult (R2 = 0.971) patients. In addition, although the average age among adult patients increased over time, a significant decrease was observed among pediatric patients from an average of 16.0 years to 14.81 years. Conclusions: These data suggest temporal changes and positive increases in the prevalence of oral HPV among both the pediatric and adult patient samples taken from this clinic population. These data are important as considerations are made regarding which HPV vaccination education and awareness programs are introduced and the specific populations most likely to benefit from these interventions.

Disparities in HPV vaccine knowledge and adolescent HPV vaccine uptake by parental nativity among diverse multiethnic parents in New Jersey

BackgroundSuboptimal human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates persist among adolescents in the United States (U.S.). New Jersey (NJ), among the top, most racially/ethnically diverse states in the U.S., had among the lowest HPV vaccine initiation rates, prior to 2018. This study examined parental HPV vaccine knowledge and adolescent HPV vaccine initiation among multiethnic parents in NJ, where access to language concordant HPV vaccine information and vaccination services may differ, for immigrant parents.MethodsWe surveyed parents of adolescents (ages 11–18) at community events in NJ to examine parental HPV vaccine knowledge and adolescent HPV vaccine uptake. Vaccine knowledge was assessed using an 11-item question stem that covered vaccine efficacy, gender recommendation, vaccine protection, and myths. Multivariable models assessed the association of parent nativity on HPV vaccine knowledge scores and adolescent HPV vaccine initiation, controlling for sociodemographic factors.ResultsOf the 77 parents, most parents (84%) were aware of the HPV vaccine. However, knowledge scores were low and differed by parent nativity. Non-U.S. born parents had significantly lower knowledge scores − 1.7 [− 3.1, − 0.4] and lower odds of adolescent children initiating the HPV vaccine 0.3 [0.1, 0.9] compared to U.S.-born parents after adjusting demographic characteristics.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that parental HPV vaccine knowledge remains low among suburban dwelling, immigrant parents, even though they have higher education and access to health care. Multilevel strategies to reduce missed opportunities for HPV vaccine education among parents and HPV vaccination for adolescents are needed, including for suburban, immigrant communities.

Human papillomavirus vaccination practices and perceptions among Ghanaian Healthcare Providers: A qualitative study based on multi-theory model.

Healthcare providers' (HCPs) recommendations for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are likely to increase the vaccination uptake. However, little is known about Ghanaian HCPs' general practices regarding HPV vaccination. We used Multi-Theory Model (MTM) constructs (i.e. participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, environment, social and emotional transformation) to examine Ghanaian HCPs' attitudes towards HPV vaccination and their vaccination recommendation practices. We conducted three, 60-minute focus group discussions (FGDs) with HCP in the second-largest government hospital in Ghana. Sixteen semi-structured open-ended questions based on MTM constructs were used to guide the FGDs. We explored HCPs' general knowledge about HPV, vaccination recommendation behavior, physical environment, and socio-cultural factors associated with the HPV vaccination. Data from the FGDs were transcribed and thematically coded using NVivo software. The sample of (n = 29) HCPs consisting of males (n = 15) and females (n = 14) between the ages of 29 and 42 years participated in the FGDs. Our analyses showed that HCPs (a) rarely offered HPV vaccination recommendations, (b) showed varied understanding about who should be vaccinated regarding age eligibility, gender, and infection status. Perceived barriers to HPV vaccination include (a) low urgency for vaccination education due to competing priorities such as malaria and HIV/AIDS; (b) lack of data on HPV vaccination; (c) lack of awareness about the vaccine safety and efficacy; (c) lack of HPV vaccine accessibility and (d) stigma, misconceptions and religious objections. HCPs expressed that their motivation for counseling their clients about HPV vaccination would be increased by having more knowledge about the vaccine's efficacy and safety, and the involvement of the parents, chiefs, churches, and opinion leaders in the vaccination programs. The study's findings underscore the need for a comprehensive HPV vaccination education for HCPs in Ghana. Future HPV vaccination education programs should include information about the efficacy of the vaccine and effective vaccination messages to help mitigate HPV vaccine-related stigma.

Trends in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Commercially Insured Children in the United States.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was recommended in 2006 for girls and in 2011 for boys. The Healthy People 2020 goal for 2-dose HPV vaccination coverage is 80% by age 15 for girls and boys. We used nationwide population-based data to describe trends in HPV vaccination in children. We conducted a cohort study nested within the MarketScan health care database between January 2003 and December 2017. Children were followed from the year they turned 9 until HPV vaccination, insurance disenrollment, or the end of the year when they turned 17, whichever came first. We estimated the cumulative incidence of at least 1- and 2-dose HPV vaccination, stratified by birth year, sex, and state. In secondary analyses, we evaluated the association between state-level vaccination policies and HPV vaccination coverage. This study included 7 837 480 children and 19.8 million person-years. The proportion of 15-year-old girls and boys with at least a 1-dose HPV vaccination increased from 38% and 5% in 2011 to 57% and 51% in 2017, respectively; the proportion with at least a 2-dose vaccination went from 30% and 2% in 2011 to 46% and 39% in 2017, respectively. By 2017, 2-dose HPV vaccination coverage varied from 80% in Washington, District of Columbia, among girls to 15% in Mississippi among boys and was positively correlated with legislation for HPV vaccine education and pediatrician availability. Despite the increasing trends in uptake, HPV vaccine coverage among commercially insured children in the United States remains behind target levels, with substantial disparities by state.