Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation Research Articles

HPV multilevel intervention strategies targeting immunization in community settings (HPV MISTICS): Study protocol for a hybrid 1 stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial.

This protocol paper describes the overall design for HPV MISTICS, a multilevel intervention to increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiation and completion rates among adolescents aged 11-17. We will conduct a hybrid type 1 implementation-effectiveness trial using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in eight federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Florida. Intervention components target three levels: system, providers, and parents. Outcomes will be assessed using quantitative (e.g., vaccination data, survey data) and qualitative methods (e.g., staff and parent interviews). We expect to quantify changes in HPV vaccine series initiation and completion rates for adolescents ages 11-17 in the eight FQHCs. We have hypothesized a 20-percentage point increase in HPV vaccine series initiation and a 10-percentage point increase in series completion. We also anticipate being able to explore factors at the system, provider, and patient levels as potential covariates. Implementation outcomes, barriers, and facilitators identified in the study will help characterize the implementation process and inform potential future intervention scale-up. The project is ongoing; effectiveness and implementation outcomes will be determined following project completion. Findings will provide evidence of an equity-informed research design and implementation procedures that could help improve HPV vaccination rates in similar health systems. NCT05677360 (date registered: 2022-12-22); https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05677360?lead=Moffitt%20Cancer%20Center%20&aggFilters=status:rec&page=2&rank=17.

Effect of an HPV Vaccination Multi-Level, Multi-Component Program on HPV Vaccination Initiation and Completion in a Pediatric Clinic Network

Despite clear evidence of the public health benefits of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing HPV-related cancers and genital warts, underutilization of HPV vaccination in the United States persists. Interventions targeting multi-level determinants of vaccination behavior are crucial for improving HPV vaccination rates. The study’s purpose was to implement and evaluate the adapted Adolescent Vaccination Program (AVP), a clinic-based, multi-level, multi-component intervention aimed at increasing HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates in a five-clinic pediatric network in Bexar County, Texas. The adaptation process was guided by established frameworks and involved formative work with clinic stakeholders. The study utilized a quasi-experimental single group pre- and post- study design, with an external comparison data using the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) datasets for the same time period to examine the AVP’s effect on HPV vaccination initiation and completion. A series of interrupted time series analyses (ITSA) compared the clinic system patient outcomes (HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates) in the post-intervention to the general adolescent population (NIS-Teen). Of the 6438 patients (11–17 years) with clinic visits during the 3-year study period, HPV vaccination initiation rates increased from 64.7% to 80.2% (p < 0.05) and completion rates increased from 43.2% to 60.2% (p < 0.05). The AVP was effective across various demographic and economic subgroups, demonstrating its generalizability. ITSA findings indicated the AVP improved HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates in clinic settings and that AVP strategies facilitated resilience during the pandemic. The minimal adaptation required for implementation in a new clinic system underscores its feasibility and potential for widespread adoption.

Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among 27-to-45-year-olds in the United States

ObjectiveThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents six types of cancer. Previously, this vaccine was only approved for 9–26-year-olds. However, in October 2018 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the HPV vaccine for 27- to 45-year-olds (mid-adults). The current study aimed to assess HPV vaccination among a national sample of U.S adults aged 27–45 years. This study also assessed factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation after age 26. MethodsData were analyzed using the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. The study included two samples: (1) mid-adults aged 27–45 (n = 8556), and (2) mid-adults who self-reported they had initiated HPV vaccination within the 27–45 age range and those who were unvaccinated (n = 7307). The outcome variables were HPV vaccination status and HPV vaccine initiation. The independent variables represented constructs from Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. The odds of HPV vaccination were estimated using weighted multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsOverall, 15.6% had ever received the HPV vaccine and 13.1% initiated their first dose of the vaccine after age 26. Hispanic (aOR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.58, 0.92) and non-Hispanic Asian persons (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.41, 0.84) had lower odds of ever receiving the vaccine than non-Hispanic White persons. Females (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.42, 3.32) had higher odds of initiating the vaccine after age 26 than males. ConclusionsThe ACIP recommendation of shared clinical decision-making emphasizes the role of clinical interactions in HPV vaccine decision-making. Study findings highlight the need to further explore contextual factors that may influence HPV vaccine behavior among mid-adults.

Effect of age at initiation of the human papillomavirus vaccine on the association between race/ethnicity and completion of the vaccine series

BackgroundUp-to-date (UTD) of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series has been low despite 2016 recommendations for 2 doses among initiators <15 years of age and 3 doses for 15+ year olds. This study examined how age at initiation affected the association between race/ethnicity and UTD among adolescent HPV vaccine initiators. We also examined how administration of other adolescent vaccines affected UTD. MethodsA secondary analysis of The National Immunization Survey – Teen data between 2016 and 2020 was conducted. Characteristics associated with initiation of the vaccine series was examined and used to evaluate UTD among initiators. All data were weighted. Associations between characteristics and HPV vaccine initiation were examined using Rao Scott chi-square tests and univariable logistic regression. Multivariable binary logistic regression models stratified by race/ethnicity calculated the strength of association between independent variables and odds of initiation and UTD among initiators. ResultsThe final sample size was 99,719 with 67,855 (68.1 %) initiating HPV vaccination. Among HPV vaccine initiators, Hispanic and black adolescents had lower odds of UTD. However, 9–10-year-old initiators had increased odds (aOR: 5.71; 95 %CI: 3.78–8.63) of UTD compared to 12-year-old initiators. Increased odds of UTD among initiators younger than 12 years were found across racial/ethnic groups. Flu vaccination was associated with decreased odds of UTD among white (aOR: 0.76; 95 %CI:0.65–0.88) and black adolescents (aOR: 0.67; 95 %CI: 0.46–0.96). ConclusionStrong recommendations to ensure patients are UTD on the HPV vaccine series are essential to improving UTD among all adolescents and follow-up should occur when administering other vaccines to reduce missed opportunities.

Effectiveness of provider communication training for increasing human papillomavirus vaccine initiation at a safety-net health system

BackgroundStrong provider recommendation can increase uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Therefore, we developed and implemented a provider education intervention on communication strategies for recommending HPV vaccination with clinic-level audit and feedback (HPV: Communicating about HPV to Adults and Teens [HPV CHAT]). We aimed to evaluate the effect of HPV CHAT on HPV vaccine uptake in seven family medicine and pediatric clinics in a large urban health system (USA). MethodsWe used a quasi-experimental design, where the eligible population included people aged 9–26 years with at least one encounter in June 2020–February 2023 at one of the participating community health clinics. We used interrupted time-series analysis to assess changes in the prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake. We used segmented Poisson regression with a log link function to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence limits (CL) for level (immediate) and slope (over time) changes with adjustment for seasonality using Fourier transformation. ResultsOur study population comprised 60,328 observations in which the median age was 17 years (interquartile range: 13–21). A majority (58%) were female and 87% were racial/ethnic minorities. Overall, we observed no sizeable effect of the intervention on HPV vaccination uptake. Nonetheless, heterogeneity was observed by age group with modest increases in individuals aged 9–12 and 13–17 years. ConclusionOur provider feedback intervention had minimal effect on increasing prevalence of HPV vaccination in seven family medicine and pediatric clinics. Novel strategies are needed to address provider barriers related to HPV vaccination.

Relationship between religiosity and HPV vaccine initiation and intention in urban black and hispanic parents

ObjectiveReligion is believed to be an important sociocultural influence in the U.S., but little is known about how religiosity shapes the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision in racial/ethnic minorities. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between religiosity and HPV vaccine initiation and intention among urban, racial/ethnic minority parents of adolescents 11–14 years old.DesignThis study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design using baseline data from Black and Hispanic parents (N = 175 and 285, respectively) recruited from medically underserved communities. Chi-square tests for independence and independent-samples t-tests were run to assess sociodemographic differences in vaccine initiation and vaccine intention. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether religious attendance and religious salience were associated with parents’ HPV vaccine decisions for their children.ResultsApproximately 47% of Black parents had vaccinated their youth against HPV. Of those who had not initiated the vaccine for their child, 54% did not intend to do so. 54% of Hispanic parents had initiated the HPV vaccine for their youth. Of those who had not initiated the vaccine for their child, 51% did not intend to do so. Frequency of attendance at religious services and the importance of religion in one’s life was not significantly correlated with HPV vaccine decision-making for Black nor Hispanic parents.ConclusionThis study suggests that religiosity does not influence the HPV vaccine decision for urban, Black and Hispanic parents. Future studies using measures that capture the complexity of religion as a social construct are needed to confirm the findings. In addition, studies with representative sampling will enable us to make generalizations about the influence of religion on HPV vaccine decision-making for urban, racial/ethnic minority parents.

The association of caregiver attitudes, information sources, and trust with HPV vaccine initiation among adolescents

ABSTRACT This study described caregiver attitudes and the information sources they access about HPV vaccination for adolescents and determined their influence on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiation. An online survey was administered to 1,016 adults in July 2021. Participants were eligible if they were the caregiver of a child aged 9–17 residing in Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and select counties in Southern Illinois. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association of caregiver attitudes and information sources with HPV vaccination. Information from doctors or healthcare providers (87.4%) and internet sources other than social media (31.0%) were the most used sources for HPV vaccine information. The highest proportion of caregivers trusted their doctor or healthcare providers (92.4%) and family or friends (68.5%) as sources of information. The HPV vaccine series was more likely to be initiated in children whose caregivers agreed that the vaccine is beneficial (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI = 2.05, 9.39), but less likely with caregivers who were concerned about side effects (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.42, 0.88) and who received HPV vaccination information from family or friends (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.35, 0.93). This study found that caregivers’ attitudes, information sources, and trust in those sources were associated with their adolescent’s HPV vaccination status. These findings highlight the need to address attitudes and information sources and suggest that tailored interventions considering these factors could increase HPV vaccination rates.

Stories to Prevent Cancer: A Pilot Study Using Cancer Survivor Narratives to Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Intentions.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are lower than other recommended adolescent vaccines. Cancer survivor narratives are used to promote cancer prevention and control, but little is known about their impact on adolescent HPV vaccination. This pilot study explored the feasibility and effects of a video education intervention using a cancer survivor narrative to improve parents' attitudes toward and intentions to get the HPV vaccine. This study utilized a one-group design; participants completed a pre-intervention survey, watched the video before attending their sons' wellness visits, and completed a post-intervention survey within one week of their appointment. Using the narrative persuasion framework, we developed a 4-minute video of a local HPV-related cancer survivor to promote the HPV vaccine as cancer prevention. We recruited 37 participants between June and October 2020. Participants were parents of males ages 9-17 who had not yet initiated HPV vaccination. After the video, more parents agreed that HPV vaccination is safe (pre: 66% vs. post: 82%; P = .045) and that their child's chances of getting HPV-related cancer in the future are high (pre: 24% vs. post: 46%; P = .014). Overall, 91% of parents felt the cancer survivor story helped them understand the risks of HPV cancers, and 52% said the story influenced their decision to start HPV vaccination for their child. Our findings suggest that cancer survivor narratives influence parents' vaccine opinions and understanding of their child's risk of HPV infection, leading to increased parental intent to get the HPV vaccine for their adolescent males.

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.

Effect of immunization registry-based provider reminder to initiate HPV vaccination at age 9, Washington state

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are lower than Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) rates, although the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends all three vaccines be given routinely at age 11–12. Evidence is mounting that children who initiate HPV vaccination starting at age 9 are more likely to complete the series on time. Washington state implemented a provider reminder through its immunization information system (WAIIS) in January 2023 to increase HPV vaccine initiation at 9-years-old by updating the forecasted recommended age for HPV from age 11 to 9. The effectiveness of provider reminders when implemented via an immunization information system (IIS) is poorly understood. We evaluated the impact of this forecast update using a seasonally adjusted interrupted time series regression of weekly HPV initiations at 9-years-old before and after implementation. We also examined time series trends of vaccine administration between 2018 and 2023 for HPV initiation at age 9, as well as Tdap, MenACWY and HPV initiation at age 11. The WAIIS forecast update doubled the weekly rate of HPV initiation among 9-year-olds in Washington state, although the weekly count of initiation at 9 remains far lower than initiations at 11. Jurisdictions wanting to increase HPV vaccine initiation at earlier ages should consider updating their forecast algorithm and investing in complementary evidence-based strategies such as provider and parent education, and clinic-based quality improvement efforts. The reach of IIS forecaster updates may be enhanced by working with administrators of electronic medical record systems to ensure parity of provider prompts with IIS.

The Prevalence of HPV Vaccination among Racial/Ethnic Minority Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among adolescents has steadily improved over the past several years. However, research conducted to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this positive trend in HPV vaccine initiation among racial/ethnic minority adolescents is limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting changes in the U.S. health care sector affected the increasing HPV vaccine initiation among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adolescents aged 13-17 years. Using a cross-sectional design to examine data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (2019-2021), logistic regression and moderation analysis were used to model race-specific variations in HPV vaccine initiation (n = 49,031). Two-sided P values of up to .05 were considered significant. Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16-1.57]) and non-Hispanic Black (aOR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.10-1.51]) adolescents had higher odds of HPV vaccine initiation than did non-Hispanic White adolescents. Additionally, the odds of HPV vaccine initiation were higher in 2021 (aOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.08-1.38]) than in 2019. Other variables-age, region, sex, insurance status, and poverty status-were also associated with HPV vaccine initiation. These findings demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, racial and ethnic minorities had higher odds of receiving the HPV vaccine. Therefore, more research of the impact of the pandemic on HPV vaccine initiation among non-Hispanic White and racial/ethnic minority adolescents is needed.

The roles of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test awareness and knowledge in HPV vaccination initiation and completion among college students in the Deep South of the United States: applying the Andersen’s Behavioral Model

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) has the highest prevalence of all sexually transmitted infections in the United States (U.S.). Despite the effectiveness in preventing HPV-related cancers, HPV vaccination rates were still low among young adults. Thus, this study aimed to (1) investigate HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates among college students, (2) examine relevant factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation and completion. A convenient sample of 327 college students was recruited from universities in the Deep South of the U.S. via online surveys. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine factors associated with HPV vaccination initiation and completion. About 54% of participants in the current study initiated HPV vaccination, and most of the participants who initiated the vaccination completed the series (52%). Participants who were female (odds ratio [OR] = 3.01, confidence interval [CI] = 1.38 to 6.58; OR = 2.28, CI = 1.07 to 4.85), aware of the HPV tests (OR = 16.53, CI = 5.60 to 48.83; OR = 7.36, CI = 2.99 to 18.13), and aware that ‘men should have HPV vaccination’ (OR = 2.33, CI = 1.07 to 5.09; OR = 3.27, CI = 1.50 to 7.12) were more likely to initiate the HPV vaccination and complete the vaccine series. The finding that only half of the students initiated and completed the HPV vaccine series indicates that further studies and intervention strategies are needed. Particular attention should be focused on college student populations who are male and with little HPV health knowledge.

Barriers to human papillomavirus vaccine uptake: role of state religiosity and healthcare professionals' participation in a state vaccine program.

Despite the known benefits of preventing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, HPV vaccine coverage is low in the United States. Grounded in Social Ecological theory, we assessed the macro-level (state) and meso-level (organization) factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation and up-to-date. Data from 2020 National Immunization Survey-Teen were used to study a sample of 20 163 US adolescents (aged 13-17 years). The data were collected from each teen's parents or guardians and health-care professionals. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated, and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. The prevalence of HPV vaccine initiation was 75.1% and of remaining up-to-date was 58.6%. At the macro level, teens living in states with high and moderate religiosity had lower odds of HPV vaccine initiation (high religiosity adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50 to 0.78; moderate religiosity AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.55 to 0.85) and up-to-date (high religiosity AOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56 to 0.85; moderate religiosity AOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.91) than states with low religiosity. At the meso level, when none of their healthcare professionals ordered vaccine from the state, teens had lower odds of initiation (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.87) and up-to-date (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.95) than teens whose healthcare professionals ordered vaccine from the state. In addition, race and ethnicity, age, mother's education level, household income, well-child examination status, and doctor's recommendation were significantly associated with HPV vaccine uptake. A multiprong approach is needed to address religious and systemic barriers to HPV vaccination and expand healthcare professionals' access and enrollment in state vaccine initiatives, such as the Vaccine for Children program.

Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Initiation and Completion among Adults Aged 18-26 Years in a Large Healthcare System.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, with over 40% prevalence in the US. Oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) driven by high-risk HPV are increasing (up to 90%), with HPV vaccination being the only prevention available. The aim of this study was to investigate HPV vaccination among patients aged between 18 and 26 years old with at least one encounter at a large healthcare system and identify sociodemographic factors associated with vaccine initiation and completion. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted between 2018 and 2021, including 265,554 patients identified from the Clinical Data Warehouse. HPV vaccination status by age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, primary care (PCP) visits in the past year, alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug use, and age at vaccination was examined. Overall, 33.6% of females and 25.4% of males have completed the HPV vaccine. Black Americans were 35% more likely to initiate the vaccine than White Americans but were less likely to complete the entire course. Overall, HPV vaccination prevalence was far below the Health People 2030 goal of 80%, especially in young males. This low rate is troubling, since many patients had a PCP visit and remained unvaccinated, which serves as a missed opportunity for vaccination.

Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas: Results from a pilot community‐based educational and school‐based vaccination program

AbstractObjectiveTo pilot and evaluate a combined community‐based education and middle school‐based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in a rural, medically underserved Texas area.MethodsThe study included 2276 students enrolled at three Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District, (RGCGISD, formerly Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District) middle schools (08/2016–02/2020). The intervention took place in a middle school setting with the community‐based, physician‐led HPV education campaign starting in 08/2016, and a school‐based vaccination program (Phase 1: 08/2017; Phase 2: 08/2018). Pre‐ and postintervention HPV vaccination rates were tracked against 2016 National Immunization Survey‐Teen rates (target: initiation 49.3%; completion 32.9%). Summary statistics were stratified by middle school.ResultsIn 2016, HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates for RGCGISD were lower than the national average (39.7% and 17.9%, respectively). In 2020, the overall HPV vaccine initiation rate increased by 58.0% (from 39.7% to 68.5%) and completion rates doubled (from 17.9% to 42.1%). The median age at HPV vaccine initiation and HPV vaccine completion (range) were 11.2 years (9–15) and 12 years (9–15). The median interval between HPV vaccine doses (range) was 287 days (36–1576). There were different between males and females among the three middle schools.ConclusionsMiddle schools serve as a feasible, effective interventional setting for delivering and increasing HPV education and vaccine uptake among adolescents, which offers substantial long‐term health benefits.

Type distribution of human papillomaviruses in ThinPrep cytology samples and HPV16/18 E6 gene variations in FFPE cervical cancer specimens in Fars province, Iran

BackgroundThere exists strong evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer (CC). HPV E6 is a major oncogene whose sequence variations may be associated with the development of CC. There is not sufficient data on the distribution of HPV types in ThinPrep cytology specimens and HPV 16/18 E6 gene variations among CC patients in the southwest of Iran. This study was conducted to contribute to HPV screening and vaccination in Iran.MethodsA total of 648 women screened for cervicitis, intraepithelial neoplasia or CC were included in the study. All participants underwent ThinPrep cytology testing, single-step HPV DNA detection and allele-specific reverse hybridization assays. Moreover, a total of 96 specimens previously tested positive for single infection with HPV16 or 18 were included for variant analysis. HPV16/18 lineages and sublineages were determined by PCR assays followed by sequencing the E6 gene and the construction of neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees.ResultsOverall, HPV DNA was detected in 62.19% of all the screened subjects. The detection rates of HPV DNA among individuals with normal, ASC-US, ASC-H, LSIL, and HSIL cervical cytology were 48.9%, 93.6%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Low-risk HPVs were detected more frequently (46.9%) than high-risk (38.9%) and possible high-risk types (11.1%). Of 403 HPV-positive subjects, 172 (42.7%) had single HPV infections while the remaining 231 (57.3%) were infected with multiple types of HPV. Our results indicated a remarkable growth of high-risk HPV66 and 68 and low-risk HPV81 which have rarely been reported in Iran and HPV90 and 87 that are reported for the first time in the country. In addition, 3 lineages (A, D, and C) and 6 sublineages (A1, A2, A4, C1, D1, and D2) of HPV16, and one lineage and 4 sublineages (A1, A3, A4, and A5) of HPV18 were identified. The studied HPV16 and 18 variants mainly belonged to the D1 and A4 sublineages, respectively.ConclusionThe present study suggests that the prevalence of HPV infection in women of all age groups with or without premalignant lesions in the southwestern Iran is high and the predominant HPV types in the southwest of Iran may differ from those detected in other parts of the country. This study also highlights the necessity of not only initiating HPV vaccination for the general population but also developing new vaccines that confer immunity against the prevalent HPV types in the area and national cervical screening programs using a combination of thinPrep cytology test and HPV detection assays in order to improve the accuracy of the screening.

The association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and HPV vaccination coverage in U.S. young adults: a cross-sectional study.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to adverse health outcomes in adulthood. Access to preventive healthcare services, including HPV vaccinations, may mitigate the impact of ACEs on adverse health outcomes. Our objective was to assess associations between ACEs and HPV vaccination coverage among young adults. We included 3415 18-29-year-old respondents to the 2019-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) ACE and HPV vaccination modules. ACEs included emotional, physical and sexual abuse; household intimate partner violence, substance abuse, mental illness; and parental separation/divorce and incarcerated household member. We used log-binomial regression models to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals for associations between ACEs and self-reported HPV vaccination and completion. Secondary outcomes included influenza vaccination uptake, time since routine checkup, HIV testing history, and HIV-related risk behavior. Several ACEs were positively associated with HPV vaccine initiation, including emotional abuse (PR:1.29, 95%CI:1.17-1.43), intimate partner violence (PR:1.14, 95%CI:1.00-1.30), substance abuse (PR:1.20, 95%CI:1.08-1.33), and mental illness (PR:1.35, 95%CI:1.22-1.50). Similar associations were observed for completion. Conversely, most ACEs were negatively associated with influenza vaccination (PRs from 0.72-1.00), and with recent checkup (PRs from 0.92-1.00). ACEs were positively associated with having had an HIV test (PRs from 1.19-1.56) and HIV-related risk behavior (PRs from 1.19-2.07). The unexpected positive associations between ACEs and HPV vaccination coverage could be due to opportunities to receive HPV vaccination in late adolescence or early adulthood while accessing STI/HIV prevention or treatment services. Future studies should evaluate associations between ACEs and timely HPV vaccination in early adolescence.

Reasons patients cite to their healthcare provider for not initiating or completing HPV vaccination.

Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is critical to the prevention of HPV-associated cancers. This study aimed to describe the reasons cited by patients for not initiating or completing the HPV vaccination series, as reported by healthcare providers. Study data was obtained from a University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center population-based cross-sectional survey of healthcare providers practicing in Texas. Prevalence estimates of reasons cited for not initiating or completing HPV vaccination were estimated by patient population (i. parents of children and ii. adult patients). The study included 973 primary care providers, of which 45.53% were physicians and 54.47% were mid-level care providers. For parents who did not initiate the HPV vaccine for their child, the most commonly cited reasons were the belief that the vaccine was not needed (52.54%, 95% CI: 48.90-56.15), that the child was not sexually active (52.54%, 95% CI: 48.90-56.15), and safety concerns/side effects (47.05%, 95% CI: 43.44-50.69). Among age-eligible adults who did not initiate HPV vaccination, lack of knowledge and awareness was the most commonly cited reason (30.52%, 95% CI: 27.71-33.50). For non-completion of the HPV vaccine series, competing priorities was most commonly cited by parents (41.29% 95% CI: 37.76-44.91), followed by adverse reactions after the first dose (16.05%, 95% CI: 13.56-18.90). For non-completion of the HPV vaccine series among adults, competing priorities was also the most cited reason (31.04%, 95% CI: 28.20-34.02). These findings highlight the importance of addressing misconceptions and improving education about HPV vaccination to increase vaccination uptake rates and prevent HPV-related cancers.

Socioeconomic and Racial Trends in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A 10-Year Retrospective Review [ID: 1366482

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the United States is low, and lack of vaccination disproportionately affects minority patients and those of a lower socioeconomic status. We sought to assess the effect of race and ethnicity and socioeconomic factors on HPV vaccine adoption over the last decade. METHODS: An analysis was conducted on data from the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2018 of individuals aged 12–26 years. Sociodemographic and vaccination history was gathered via self-report. Logistic regression models assessed relationships between HPV vaccination and variables of interest. RESULTS: Data from 8,120 individuals were included in the analysis. Vaccine initiation among females rose from 30.5% (95% CI 25.7–35.8) in 2009–2010 to 55.1% (95% CI 50.0–60.0) in 2017–2018 and from 8.3% (95% CI 6.2–10.9) in 2011–2012 to 36.4% (95% CI 31.2–41.9) in 2017–2018 for males. Individuals with insurance coverage were 2.0 times more likely to report being vaccinated (95% CI 1.8–2.6). Independent of insurance coverage, having a routine place to seek health care was associated with a 1.9 times increase (95% CI 1.5–2.3) in HPV vaccination. Independent of insurance and access to care, Mexican American and non-Hispanic Black individuals were 1.7 times (95% CI 1.3–2.2) and 1.4 times (95% CI 1.1–1.9) less likely to complete the vaccine series compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. CONCLUSION: Human papillomavirus vaccination initiation has increased in the United States over the past 10 years; however, vaccination has plateaued among women with only half of females vaccinated and nearly a fifth initiating but not completing the series. Access to care appears to be a significant predictor of HPV vaccination.

Perspectives Associated with Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Adults: A Qualitative Study.

In the last several decades, vaccine hesitancy has become a significant global public health concern. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been on the United States of America (USA) market since 2006, with extended approval up to age 45 granted in 2018. To date, there is limited research evaluating barriers and facilitators related to HPV vaccine initiation among adults and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals' vaccine-related behaviors. This study's main objective was to characterize the contributing factors that could promote or inhibit HPV vaccine uptake for adults. A qualitative approach consisting of focus group discussions (FGDs) was used for this study. The FGD guide was informed by concepts from the Transtheoretical Model, Health Belief Model, and Social Cognitive Theory. All virtual FGDs were led by two researchers, who recorded audio for data collection. The data were transcribed by a third party, and the transcripts were imported into Dedoose® software and analyzed using the six steps recommended by thematic analysis. A total of 35 individuals participated in 6 focus groups over a 6-month period. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) Intrinsic motivators for HPV vaccination, (2) Extrinsic motivators for HPV vaccination, (3) Vaccine promotion strategies, and (4) Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on vaccine hesitancy. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors play a role in influencing HPV vaccine uptake, and such considerations can guide efforts to improve the odds of HPV vaccination in working-age adults.