Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage Research Articles

Policy Approaches for Increasing Adolescent HPV Vaccination Coverage: A Systematic Review.

US jurisdictions have enacted a wide range of policies to address low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among adolescents, but it is unclear which policies are effective. To systematically review the impact of governmental policies on adolescent HPV vaccination coverage. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Eligible studies, published from 2009 to 2022, evaluated the impact of governmental policies on HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents ages 9 to 18. Two investigators independently extracted data on study sample, study design and quality, policy characteristics, and HPV vaccination outcomes. We summarized findings by policy type: school-entry requirements (SERs), federally-funded policies related to the Vaccines for Children program and Medicaid, educational requirements, and others. Our search yielded 36 eligible studies. A majority of studies evaluating HPV vaccine SERs found positive associations between SERs and HPV vaccination coverage (8 of 14), particularly for SERs in Rhode Island and Washington, DC. All studies evaluating SERs for other adolescent vaccines observed positive spillover effects for HPV vaccination (7 of 7). Federally-funded policies related to Vaccines for Children and Medicaid were consistently associated with higher HPV vaccination coverage (7 of 9). Relatively few studies found associations between educational requirements and HPV vaccination coverage (2 of 8). Studies used limited vaccination data sources and non- or quasi-experimental designs. Some studies had no or poorly matched comparison groups. Our findings suggest promise for SERs and federally-funded policies, but not educational requirements, for increasing HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents.

Underlying background of the current trend of increasing HPV vaccination coverage in Japan.

Cervical cancer is prevalent among women, with a reported 604,127 cases in 2020 worldwide. The incidence of cervical cancer has been mitigated in most high-income countries by promoting the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. However, in Japan, cervical cancer is still a leading cause of mortality and the most prevalent cancer among women aged between 15 and 39. This can be attributed to the 7-year suspension of HPV vaccination recommendations by the Japanese government. A decline in vaccination coverage followed this suspension, caused by a small number of reported adverse events, resulting in a steep decline in vaccination coverage from over 70% to less than 1%. However, there have been indications of a change in trend in Japan. In 2020, a group of volunteer doctors initiated awareness-raising activities through social networking services and other platforms, and the target population that received at least one dose of the vaccine in 2020 increased to 15.9%. Additionally, in July 2020, the Japanese government approved the updated 9-valent HPV vaccine and resumed recommendations in November 2021. As a result, 30.1% of those eligible for routine HPV vaccination received at least one dose of the vaccine from April to September, 2022. However, the HPV vaccine coverage in Japan is still far from the 90% recommended by the World Health Organization, and continued communication and education on the vaccines benefits are necessary to achieve optimal coverage.

The Family Health Strategy Influence on the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Acceptance in a Peripheral Community of the Brazilian Amazon Region.

The coverage of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine remains low worldwide. The Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Brazil has an important role in health promotion in communities. Given the FHS's close contact with assisted communities, the coverage of the HPV vaccine should be high in children. This study aims to investigate the acceptance of the HPV vaccine of parents or guardians of a peripheral community of the Brazilian Amazon region assisted by the FHS and influencing factors. A cross-sectional community-based study recruiting the residents of a subnormal agglomerate of Belém (Pará-Brazil) and covered by the FHS was conducted. Data were collected from September 30 to November 5, 2019. The questionnaire "Knowledge and Acceptability of HPV and Its Vaccine" was used. Data were analyzed through binary and multiple regression analyses. A total of 247 participants were included in this study, and 85 of which (34.4%) declared that they did not vaccinate their children. Hesitation to vaccinate was related to few years of schooling (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79, p=0.008), having sons (OR: 3.14, p=0.000), inadequate knowledge about doses of the HPV (OR: 2.44, p=0.015), and knowledge of anyone who received the HPV vaccine (OR: 7.07, p=0.000). Results suggested the low efficiency of FHS in increasing the HPV vaccination coverage in the assisted communities. A strategy involving a dialog with assisted families and continuous health education to health professionals should be implemented to combat fake news and increase HPV vaccination coverage.

Ansätze zur Steigerung der HPV-Impfquote in Deutschland – Hindernisse und Chancen: Eine qualitative Studie

BackgroundIn Germany, the prevalence of infections with the human papilloma virus (HPV) among women and men is high. High-risk HPV types can lead to certain types of cancer (e. g., cervical cancer). Vaccination against HPV infections associated with cancer and genital warts was introduced in Germany in 2007. Currently, HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys by the German Standing Committee on Vaccination. The vaccination rate, however, remains rather low, with rates below 50% in 15-year-old girls and of about 5% in 15-year-old boys in 2019. This suggests that new approaches are urgently needed to increase HPV vaccination coverage in Germany in the coming years. ObjectivesThis qualitative study aimed at identifying opportunities and challenges related to the application and implementation of different approaches designed to increase HPV vaccination uptake among male and female adolescents in Germany according to expert views. Materials and methodsFrom April to July 2020, 43 experts from the field of HPV vaccination in Germany were interviewed using a semi-standardized interview guide. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis by Udo Kuckartz. Results and ConclusionAccording to the experts interviewed the following would be the most promising approaches to increase HPV vaccination rates in Germany: educational measures, school vaccination programs, increasing participation in the adolescent health check-up “J1”, reminder and recall systems. The most reasonable solution would be to pursue several approaches simultaneously. According to the experts, more political support with implementing strategies and reducing bureaucratic obstacles as well as an increase in cooperation between relevant stakeholders is required to achieve the effective implementation of these strategies.

Key stakeholder perspectives on challenges and opportunities for rural HPV vaccination in North and South Carolina

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify factors at the individual, provider, and systems levels that serve as challenges or opportunities for increasing adolescent vaccination—including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination—in rural communities in the southern United States (US). As part of a broader study to increase HPV vaccine uptake in the southern US, we conducted in-depth interviews with vaccination stakeholders representing public health and education agencies in North Carolina (NC) and South Carolina (SC). Fourteen key stakeholders were recruited using purposive sampling to obtain insights into challenges and solutions to rural-urban disparities in HPV vaccination coverage. Stakeholders were also queried about their experiences and attitudes toward school-based vaccination promotion programs and campaigns. We used a rapid qualitative approach to analyze the data. Stakeholders identified factors at the individual, provider, and systems levels that serve as challenges to vaccination in rural communities. Similar to previous studies, stakeholders mentioned challenges with healthcare access and vaccine-related misconceptions that pose barriers to HPV vaccination for rural residents. Systems-level challenges identified included limited access to high-speed internet in rural areas that may impact providers’ ability to interface with state-level digital systems such as the vaccination registry. Stakeholders identified a number of opportunities to increase HPV vaccination coverage, including through school-based health promotion programs. Stakeholders strongly supported school-based programs and approaches to strengthen confidence and demand for HPV vaccination and to help address persistent social determinants and system level factors that pose challenges to HPV vaccination coverage in many rural areas.

Increasing HPV vaccination coverage to prevent oropharyngeal cancer: A cost-effectiveness analysis

The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has been rising, especially among middle-aged men. While Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been irrevocably implicated in the pathogenesis of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), the current HPV vaccination uptake rate remains low in the US. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of increased HPV vaccination coverage on HPV-associated OPC incidence and costs. A decision analytic model was constructed for hypothetical cohorts of 9-year-old boys and girls. Two strategies were compared: 1) Maintaining the current vaccination uptake rates; 2) Increasing HPV vaccination uptake rates to the Healthy People 2030 target (80%) for both sexes. Increasing HPV vaccination coverage rates to 80% would be expected to prevent 5,339 OPC cases at a cost of $0.57 billion USD. Increased HPV vaccination coverage would result in 7,430 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains in the overall population, and it is estimated to be cost-effective for males with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $86,940 per QALY gained under certain conditions. Expanding HPV vaccination rates would likely provide a cost-effective way to reduce the OPC incidence, particularly among males.

Reducing Poverty-Related Disparities in Cervical Cancer: The Role of HPV Vaccination.

Near elimination of cervical cancer in the United States is possible in coming decades, yet inequities will delay this achievement for some populations. We sought to explore the effects of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on disparities in cervical cancer incidence between high- and low-poverty U.S. counties. We calibrated a dynamic simulation model of HPV infection to reflect average counties in the highest and lowest quartile of poverty (percent of population below federal poverty level), incorporating data on HPV prevalence, cervical cancer screening, and HPV vaccination. We projected cervical cancer incidence through 2070, estimated absolute and relative disparities in incident cervical cancer for high- versus low-poverty counties, and compared incidence with the near-elimination target (4 cases/100,000 women annually). We estimated that, on average, low-poverty counties will achieve near-elimination targets 14 years earlier than high-poverty counties (2029 vs. 2043). Absolute disparities by county poverty will decrease, but relative differences are estimated to increase. We estimate 21,604 cumulative excess cervical cancer cases in high-poverty counties over the next 50 years. Increasing HPV vaccine coverage nationally to the Healthy People 2020 goal (80%) would reduce excess cancer cases, but not alter estimated time to reach the near-elimination threshold. High-poverty U.S. counties will likely be delayed in achieving near-elimination targets for cervical cancer and as a result will experience thousands of potentially preventable cancers. Alongside vaccination efforts, it is important to address the role of social determinants and health care access in driving persistent inequities by area poverty.

Prevalent human papillomavirus infection increases the risk of HIV acquisition in African women: advancing the argument for human papillomavirus immunization.

Vaccine-preventable human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV risk is also high. However, unlike other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HPV's role in HIV acquisition is unclear. We evaluated this relationship using data from MTN-003, a clinical trial of HIV chemoprophylaxis among cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa. A case-control study. We matched 138 women who acquired HIV (cases) to 412 HIV-negative controls. Cervicovaginal swabs collected within 6 months before HIV seroconversion were tested for HPV DNA. We estimated the associations between carcinogenic (high-risk) and low-risk HPV types and types targeted by HPV vaccines and HIV acquisition, using conditional logistic regression models adjusted for time-varying sexual behaviors and other STIs. Mean age was 23 (±4) years. Any, high-risk and low-risk HPV was detected in 84, 74 and 66% of cases, and 65, 55 and 48% of controls. Infection with at least two HPV types was common in cases (67%) and controls (49%), as was infection with nonavalent vaccine-targeted types (60 and 42%). HIV acquisition increased with any [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.3-4.7], high-risk (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.5-4.6) and low-risk (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9) HPV. Each additional type detected increased HIV risk by 20% (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4). HIV acquisition was associated with HPV types targeted by the nonavalent (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.6) and quadrivalent vaccines (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2). HPV infection is associated with HIV acquisition in sub-Saharan African women. In addition to preventing HPV-associated cancers, increasing HPV vaccination coverage could potentially reduce HIV incidence.

Misinformation Drives Low Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage in South African Girls Attending Private Schools.

Background: Cervical cancer, caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is the leading cause of female cancer deaths in South Africa. In 2014, the South African National Department of Health introduced a free public sector school-based HPV vaccination programme, targeting grade 4 girls aged ≥9 years. However, private sector school girls receive HPV vaccination through their healthcare providers at cost. This study investigated HPV vaccination knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers of girls aged ≥9 years in grades 4–7 attending South African private schools.Methods: A link to an online survey was circulated to caregivers via an email sent to school principals of all private schools in four provinces enrolling girls in grades 4–7. Following a poor post-reminder response, a paid Facebook survey-linked advert targeting South African Facebook users aged ≥25 years nationally was run for 4 days, and placed on the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre's Facebook page for 20 days.Results: Of 615 respondents, 413 provided HPV vaccination data and 455 completed the knowledge and attitudes tests. Most (76.5%) caregivers had good knowledge and 45.3% had positive attitudes. Of their daughters, 19.4% had received ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine. Of caregivers of unvaccinated girls, 44.3% and 41.1%, respectively were willing to vaccinate their daughters if vaccination was offered free and at their school. Caregivers of unvaccinated girls were more likely [odds ratio (OR): 3.8] to have been influenced by “other” influences (mainly online articles and anecdotal vaccine injury reports). Of caregivers influenced by their healthcare providers, caregivers of unvaccinated girls were more likely (OR: 0.2) to be influenced by alternative medical practitioners. Caregivers of vaccinated girls were more likely to have good knowledge (OR: 3.6) and positive attitudes (OR: 5.2). Having good knowledge strongly predicted (OR: 2.8) positive attitudes. Having negative attitudes strongly predicted (OR: 0.2) girls being unvaccinated.Conclusion: Providing free school-based HPV vaccination in the private sector may not increase HPV vaccination coverage to an optimal level. Since misinformation was the main driver of negative attitudes resulting in <20% of girls being vaccinated, an advocacy campaign targeting all stakeholders is urgently needed.

Increasing HPV Vaccination Uptake among Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a well-known fundamental strategy in the prevention of cervical cancer, as it is always caused by HPV infection. In fact, primary prevention of the infection corresponds to primary prevention of HPV-related cancers and other diseases. Since an effective prevention at the population level is the final goal, it is mandatory for healthcare systems to achieve a high HPV vaccination coverage among the adolescents to reduce the circulation of the virus and the burden of HPV-related diseases. This research identified, through a systematic literature review, 38 papers on strategies adopted to increase HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents. The evaluated strategies targeted adolescents/parents and/or healthcare providers and could be grouped in three main types: (1) reminder-based, (2) education, information, and communication activities, and (3) multicomponent strategies. Several types of strategy, such as those relied only on reminders and integrating different interventions, showed a positive impact on vaccination coverage. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of the interventions suggests the importance to adapt such strategies to the specific national/local contexts to maximize vaccination coverage.

HPV vaccine acceptability and willingness-related factors among Chinese adolescents: a nation-wide study

ABSTRACT Background Adolescents are the primary target population for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. The objective of this study is to explore the acceptability of HPV vaccines and evaluate factors related to willingness to be vaccinated among Chinese adolescents. Methods A nation-wide survey was conducted across 14 schools in mainland China. The questionnaire consisted of questions relating to socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of adolescent sexual health, cervical cancer, HPV and HPV-related disease, and students’ willingness to be vaccinated. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were conducted in the data analysis. Results A total of 4,062 students participated in this study. Among them, only 17.1% of students reported having heard of HPV vaccines; however, 67.3% were willing to receive the HPV vaccine. Multivariable regression analysis showed that students who were from rural areas, have received sexual health education, have heard of cervical cancer or HPV vaccine, have a positive attitude toward vaccination, reported they were at the risk of developing cervical cancer, and those who value their parents’ and teachers’ opinions were more willing to receive HPV vaccination. Conclusions Awareness about the HPV vaccine is low among Chinese adolescents. The factors that most related to willingness to vaccinate among Chinese adolescents were school location, education about vaccination, HPV, and HPV vaccines. Integrating health education on HPV vaccination into existing school-based sexual health curricula may be an effective way to increase HPV vaccination coverage in mainland China.

Student Ambassador Program to Increase HPV Vaccination Coverage Rates among Adolescents in an East Harlem High School

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) exposure during adolescence is a public health concern because exposure in adolescence can lead to several types of cancer in adulthood. In 2017, New York State health regulations were changed to allow health care providers to administer HPV vaccine to at-risk minors without the consent of parents or guardians. This measure allowed for adolescents to access HPV vaccines confidentially. Almost two years since this legislation, many adolescents are unaware they can consent for the HPV vaccine themselves and may not recognize the …

Effect of a school-based educational intervention on HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and willingness to be vaccinated among Chinese adolescents : a multi-center intervention follow-up study

BackgroundMiddle school students are recommended as the primary target population for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. This study aimed to assess HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, and to evaluate the effect of a school-based educational intervention, immediately and one year later, on HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability among adolescents in mainland China. MethodsA school-based interventional follow-up study was conducted in seven representative cities in mainland China from May 2015 to May 2017. “Train-the-trainer” strategy was employed to educate school teachers in this study. Students aged 13 to 14 years old were assigned to intervention classes and control classes. All students were required to complete the baseline questionnaire. Students in the intervention classes were given a 45-minute lecture regarding HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and were then asked to complete a post-education questionnaire. One year later, all students were asked to complete the post-education questionnaire again. ResultsBaseline HPV knowledge was low among Chinese adolescents, with only 12.6% and 15.7% of students having heard of HPV and HPV vaccines, respectively. After the intervention, the level of HPV-related knowledge increased immediately, and students with higher knowledge levels of HPV and HPV vaccines were more willing to get vaccinated. One year after the intervention, the knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines was dramatically diminished. However, knowledge was significantly higher in intervention classes compared to control classes. ConclusionsKnowledge and awareness of HPV and vaccination are generally deficient among Chinese adolescents. School-based health education was very effective in improving awareness and positive attitudes about HPV and HPV vaccines within a short time. Integrating health education on HPV into the existing school-based sexual health curriculum could be an effective way to increase HPV vaccination coverage and help to eliminate preventable HPV-associated cancers in China.

Projected time to elimination of cervical cancer in the USA: a comparative modelling study

In May, 2018, the Director-General of WHO issued a global call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, which will involve ambitious screening and vaccination coverage targets. We aimed to assess the potential for, and timing of, cervical cancer elimination in the USA and whether this could be expedited by adopting ambitious coverage targets, using two cervical cancer simulation models. In this modelling study, we used two independently-developed cervical cancer microsimulation models-Harvard and Policy1-Cervix-to estimate changes in the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical cancer over time in the USA, including herd effects from vaccination. We compared nine alternative scenarios for prophylactic HPV vaccination and cervical screening scale-up with a status quo scenario that involved no additional interventions in the context of a threshold for cervical cancer elimination of four or fewer cases per 100 000 women-years. We also estimated the number of cervical cancer cases that could be averted between 2019 and 2100 associated with the adoption of ambitious goals for cervical cancer screening and vaccination coverage, and other potential strategies. Under status quo assumptions, the Havard and Policy1-Cervix models projected that cervical cancer incidence would decrease to less than four or fewer new cases per 100 000 women-years by the 2038 and 2046, respectively. Scaling up screening coverage to 90% in 2020, was the most effective intervention to expedite time to elimination (10-13-year reduction), averting a mean of 1400-2088 additional cases annually between 2019 and 2100. Increasing HPV vaccination coverage to 90% or vaccinating adults aged 26-45 years had relatively little effect on cervical cancer incidence. Sensitivity analysis using different population structures resulted in differences in time to elimination (range -10 years to +27 years) compared with status quo predictions. The USA is on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in the next two to three decades. Time to elimination could be expedited by 10-13 years by achieving higher screening coverage. Targeting of underscreened and under-vaccinated women remains key to achieving cervical cancer elimination for all women. US National Cancer Institute.

Perceptions of Teachers, Parents and Adolescents about HPV, Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination

Background: In Indonesia, Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination for children aged 9-13 years has not been widely done for prevention of cervical cancer. Schools contribute to the delivery of information about HPV vaccine. This research aims to explore perceptions of HPV, cervical cancer and the behaviour to ward HPV vaccination among teachers, parents and female adolescents. Method: This study employed a qualitative design with focus group discussions involving 58 participants. This research was conducted in junior high schools. The inclusion criteria were female students, parents and teachers, while the exclusion criteria were female students have HPV vaccinated. The data was analyzed by content analysis approach. Results: There were three themes: 1) Limited knowledge about the vulnerability between HPV and cervical cancer, and the lack of familiarity with HPV vaccine, 2) Insufficient insurance and overall cost for HPV vaccination, and 3) Parental involvement in HPV vaccination. Conclusion: The study showed the importance of HPV-related reproductive health promotion and financial support for increasing HPV vaccination coverage.

HPV Vaccine Coverage among Adolescent Males in Ohio: Results of a Longitudinal Study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been recommended for males in the United States since 2011, yet little is known about vaccine coverage among adolescent males in Ohio. Our longitudinal study examined HPV vaccine coverage among adolescent males in Ohio and identified predictors of vaccination. The Buckeye Teen Health Study recruited adolescent males ages 11-16 and their parents from one urban county and nine rural counties in Ohio. We report longitudinal vaccination data on 1126 adolescent males, with baseline data from 2015-2016 and follow-up data from 2017-2018. We used multivariable Poisson regression to identify predictors of HPV vaccine initiation that occurred between baseline and follow-up. At baseline, 42.4% of parents reported their sons had initiated the HPV vaccine series. Among parents whose sons were unvaccinated at baseline, 36.3% indicated initiation at follow-up. Initiation at follow-up was more common among sons who had received influenza vaccine (RR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.08-2.18) or whose parents indicated lack of a recent visit to a doctor as the main reason for not yet vaccinating at baseline (RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.02-1.95). Initiation was less common among sons whose parents had an associate's degree or some college education (RR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.46-0.99). Main reasons for not vaccinating changed from baseline to follow-up among parents of unvaccinated sons. Although HPV vaccine initiation increased over time, many adolescent males in Ohio remain unvaccinated. Findings can help guide future strategies for increasing HPV vaccine coverage among this population.

An intervention for increasing HPV vaccination on a university campus

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intervention implemented on a large university campus in the United States. MethodsThe intervention consisted of student-directed campaign materials promoting HPV vaccination (e.g., posters, yard signs, social media posts) and provider recommendation for HPV vaccine to students attending university health services (UHS) from January through March of 2019. ResultsWe observed a 75% increase in HPV vaccine doses administered at UHS in the spring semester of 2019 vs. 2018. In both semesters a higher percentage of doses was given to females than males. Further, the increase from 2018 to 2019 was larger for females than males. Age at vaccine receipt did not differ by year. ConclusionsPartnering with college and university health centers to implement HPV vaccine interventions could be a promising strategy for increasing HPV vaccination coverage among young adult college students across the country.

HPV infection and the genital cytokine milieu in women at high risk of HIV acquisition

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection correlates with higher rates of HIV acquisition, but the underlying biological mechanisms are unclear. Here we study associations between HPV and HIV acquisition and relate these to vaginal cytokine profiles in an observational cohort of women at high risk of HIV infection (CAPRISA 004, n = 779) and with 74% HPV prevalence. We report here that HPV infection associates with a 2.5-fold increase in HIV acquisition risk in this population (95% CI: 1.2–5.3). Among 48 vaginal cytokines profiled, cytokines associated with HPV infection overlap substantially with cytokines associated with HIV risk, but are distinct from those observed in HPV negative women. Although our data do not establish a causative link between HPV status and the risk of HIV, we suggest that increasing HPV vaccination coverage may carry an additional benefit of reducing the risk of contracting HIV infection, particularly in regions with high HPV prevalence.

3085 Pediatric provider and staff perceptions of HPV vaccine completion compared to other healthcare providers: Effects on perceived need for change

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: According to Diffusion of Innovations Theory, an important predictor of successful implementation of a new intervention within an organization is perceived need for change (i.e. tension for change [TFC]). No research has examined factors influencing TFC in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Providers who assume their clinic already performs well in HPV vaccination coverage may perceive a lower need for assistance for improvement. We assessed the association between perceived HPV vaccine completion compared to peer clinics and perceived support needed to increase HPV vaccination coverage. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: All providers (physicians/nurse practitioners/physician assistants) and staff (clinical/non-clinical) from 21 pediatric clinics participating in an HPV vaccine quality improvement (QI) intervention study in Tennessee were invited to complete a baseline survey. Perceived comparative performance (i.e. perceived HPV vaccine completion compared to peer clinics) and TFC (i.e. perceived support needed to increase HPV vaccination coverage) were measured on continuous scales of 0-100. We used logistic regression to estimate odds of perceiving higher TFC (upper tertile, score of 51-100) for every unit increase in perceived comparative performance. Analyses controlled for age of respondent, perceived strength of evidence for HPV vaccine guidelines, and clinic factors, including culture/climate and available resources. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of 325 respondents, most were staff (61%), female (87%), and non-Hispanic White (83%). Respondents who perceived higher HPV vaccination coverage compared to peer clinics perceived lower clinic-level TFC (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99). When stratifying by job role, this negative association was observed among providers (aOR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.98), but not among staff (aOR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.03). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Providers who perceived higher HPV vaccination coverage compared to peer clinics perceived lower need for support to improve vaccination outcomes. Our results suggest that QI efforts targeting pediatric clinics may find it useful to assess providers’ perceptions of their clinic’s performance, which could affect motivation to engage in QI efforts and successfully improve outcomes.

Implementation of Strategies to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Coverage: A Provider Survey

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage in the U.S. is persistently suboptimal, despite research describing barriers to vaccination and strategies to increase vaccination coverage. The objective was to assess providers' approach to the HPV vaccine and their implementation of strategies to increase HPV vaccination coverage. The hypothesis was that adoption of improvement measures to address underuse of the HPV vaccine has not occurred. Community pediatric providers from two Midwestern practice-based research networks completed self-administered electronic surveys. Data were collected over 6 months in 2015 and organized and analyzed in 2016. There were 100 providers that participated. Despite agreement with national recommendations, some providers delayed their recommendation until the adolescent was older and many reported missed vaccination opportunities. Many providers experienced parental concerns including safety of the HPV vaccine, belief their child was not at risk of HPV infection, and their child's resistance to receiving multiple shots. Providers identified the following as barriers to adherence to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines: bad publicity of the HPV vaccine, information about the HPV vaccine on the web, and a lack of a follow-up system for those who delayed HPV vaccine initiation. Approximately half of the participants had implemented strategies to address these barriers beyond offering immunization-only appointments. Participants were aware of barriers to HPV vaccine use, but many had not adopted a systematic approach to increase vaccine coverage. A better understanding of the challenges facing providers to adopting improvement measures and a strategy to address barriers to implementation are needed to improve HPV coverage.