Knowledge Of HPV Vaccine Research Articles

Determination of knowledge levels, attitude and behaviors of female university students concerning cervical cancer, human papiloma virus and its vaccine.

BackgroundThe purpose of the study is to investigate knowledge, attitudes and behaviours concerning cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine of female students studying at a university in a health related department and explore variables affecting taking the vaccine.MethodsThe research group consists of female students attending a health related department in Balıkesir University. The data of this cross-sectional research was collected via surveys.ResultsThe average total knowledge score of the students concerning risks, symptoms and screening methods of cervical cancer and HPV vaccines was 14.15 ± 6.7. The HPV knowledge score of the students attending the faculty of medicine was higher compared to the students attending other departments and their HPV vaccine knowledge score was higher compared to the students attending nursing and paramedics students. The HPV vaccine knowledge score of the students attending the department of midwifery was significantly higher compared to other students. Only 0.9 % of the students took the vaccine. One third of the students who did not take the vaccine did not know that the vaccine was available in our country. In terms of the department that they attended, the students with a higher total knowledge score compared to the average (OR:1.5) and students with history of cancer in their families (OR:1.6) were more likely to consider taking the vaccine.ConclusionsResearch group’s knowledge on risk factors of cervical cancer, Pap smear test, symptoms and prevention ways of cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine was low.

Eurogin Roadmap 2015: How has HPV knowledge changed our practice: Vaccines.

This review is one of two complementary reviews that have been prepared in the framework of the Eurogin Roadmap 2015 to evaluate how knowledge about HPV is changing practices in HPV infection and disease control through vaccination and screening. In this review of HPV vaccine knowledge, we present the most significant findings of the past year which have contributed to our knowledge of the two HPV prophylactic vaccines currently in widespread use and about the recently licensed nonavalent HPV vaccine. Whereas anal cancer is dealt with in the companion mini-review on screening, we also review here the rapidly evolving evidence regarding HPV-associated head and neck cancer and priority research areas.

Abstract B58: Assessing university students' sexual risk behavior, knowledge of the human papillomavirus, (HPV), HPV vaccine, and association between HPV and head and neck cancer

Abstract Background/Objectives: There has been a 225% increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer, a sub-site of head and neck cancer, in the United States in the last three decades. This massive increase is largely associated with HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that peaks in prevalence among adolescents and young adults of college age. This study aimed at assessing sexual risk-taking behavior among university students, analyzing predictors of HPV vaccine initiation, as well as assessing levels of knowledge of the association between HPV and head and neck cancer. Methods: An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was distributed to 921 university students between the ages of 19-26 years. The survey elicited sociodemographic characteristics, HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, and barriers and facilitators for vaccine initiation and completion. Results: Seven-hundred and forty-six students completed the survey; primarily female (68%), White (78%), and non-smokers (96%). Among participants, 61.7% have had vaginal sex and 70.7% oral sex. A greater number of participants have had multiple (4 or more) oral sexual partners than vaginal sexual partners (25.5% vs. 20.3%). Average age at first vaginal and oral sex onset were similar (18.41 vs. 17.80 years). Almost half of participants (49%) had completed all 3-doses of the HPV vaccine, and 60% had received at least one dose. Only 38% had a high knowledge of association between HPV and head and neck cancer. After adjusting for covariables, it was found that HPV knowledge was the main predictor of HPV vaccine initiation. Those with a higher level of knowledge of HPV were more likely to have initiated the vaccine (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.08). Additionally, there were decreased odds of initiating HPV vaccine as age increased (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.90); and participant single or dating (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.12-2.65) and not currently dating (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.22-2.99) had higher odds of initiating the vaccine than those in committed relationships, including marriage. Race was a significant predictor of knowledge of association between HPV and head and neck cancer. Non-White students were 2.25 times (95% CI: 1.14 – 4.45) more likely to have low knowledge compared to White students. Conclusions: Sexual risk-taking behavior associated with HPV infection is high among university students, while knowledge of the association between HPV and head and neck cancer is low. These findings provide impetus for developing specifically targeted interventions that serve to increase head and neck cancer knowledge, improve HPV vaccine education and uptake, and mitigate sexual risk-taking behaviors among college-aged students. Citation Format: Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Kara M. Christopher, Christian Geneus, Rebecca Rohde, Ronald J. Walker, Mark A. Varvares. Assessing university students' sexual risk behavior, knowledge of the human papillomavirus, (HPV), HPV vaccine, and association between HPV and head and neck cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B58.

Student HPV vaccine attitudes and vaccine completion by education level

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe HPV vaccine attitudes among students of different education levels. Methods: High school, college, and graduate-level health care professional students were surveyed regarding HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and receipt. Relationships between categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests of independence and z-tests for proportions. Means for quantitative variables were compared using t-tests and one-way analysis of variance. Results: 57% and 42% of the 889 students reported starting and completing HPV vaccine series, respectively, with no statistical difference by education level. 61% of students who reported receiving a provider recommendation had completed the series, compared to 6% of those who did not receive recommendation (p<0.001). The belief that HPV vaccine prevents cancer was strongly associated with vaccine completion (p=0.003). Conclusion: HPV vaccine coverage rates remain suboptimal. Future interventions should focus on improving provider recommendation and patient belief that HPV vaccine prevents cancer.

Knowledge, perceptions and acceptability of HPV vaccination among medical students in Chongqing, China.

To evaluate medical students' knowledge of HPV and HPV related diseases and assess their attitudes towards HPV vaccination. A total of 605 medical undergraduates from Chongqing Medical University in China were surveyed using a structured and pretested questionnaire on HPV related knowledge. Some 68.9% of the medical students were females, and mean age was 21.6 (±1.00) years. Only 10.6% correctly answered more than 11 out of 14 questions on HPV related knowledge, 71.8% being willing to receive/ advise on HPV vaccination. Female students (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.53-4.72) and students desiring more HPV education (OR: 4.24; 95% CI: 1.67-10.8) were more willing to accept HPV vaccination. HPV vaccination acceptability was observed to show a positive association with HPV related knowledge. Our survey found low levels of HPV related knowledge and HPV vaccination acceptability among participating medical students. HPV education should be systematically incorporated into medical education to increase awareness of HPV vaccination.

"Knowledge and attitudes of Spanish adolescent girls towards human papillomavirus infection: where to intervene to improve vaccination coverage".

BackgroundHPV vaccine coverage is far from ideal in Valencia, Spain, and this could be partially related to the low knowledge about the disease and the vaccine, therefore we assessed these, as well as the attitude towards vaccination in adolescent girls, and tried to identify independently associated factors that could potentially be modified by an intervention in order to increase vaccine coverage.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in a random selection of schools of the Spanish region of Valencia. We asked mothers of 1278 girls, who should have been vaccinated in the 2011 campaign, for informed consent. Those that accepted their daughters’ participation, a questionnaire regarding the Knowledge of HPV infection and vaccine was passed to the girls in the school.Results833 mothers (65.1%) accepted participation. All their daughters’ responded the questionnaire. Of those, 89.9% had heard about HPV and they associated it to cervical cancer. Only 14% related it to other problems like genital warts. The knowledge score of the girls who had heard about HPV was 6.1/10. Knowledge was unrelated to the number of contacts with the health system (Pediatrician or nurse), and positively correlated with the discussions with classmates about the vaccine. Adolescents Spanish in origin or with an older sister vaccinated, had higher punctuation. 67% of the girls thought that the vaccine prevented cancer, and 22.6% felt that although prevented cancer the vaccine had important safety problems. 6.4% of the girls rejected the vaccine for safety problems or for not considering themselves at risk of infection. 71.5% of the girls had received at least one vaccine dose. Vaccinated girls scored higher knowledge (p = 0.05).ConclusionKnowledge about HPV infection and vaccine was fair in adolescents of Valencia, and is independent to the number of contacts with the health system, it is however correlated to the conversations about the vaccine with their peers and the vaccination status. An action to improve HPV knowledge through health providers might increase vaccine coverage in the adolescents.

Knowledge and Awareness of HPV Vaccine and Acceptability to Vaccinate in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

ObjectivesWe assessed the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine, and willingness and acceptability to vaccinate in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. We further identified countries that fulfill the two GAVI Alliance eligibility criteria to support nationwide HPV vaccination.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies on the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine, and willingness and acceptability to vaccinate. Trends in Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine coverage in SSA countries from 1990–2011 were extracted from the World Health Organization database.FindingsThe review revealed high levels of willingness and acceptability of HPV vaccine but low levels of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, HPV or HPV vaccine. We identified only six countries to have met the two GAVI Alliance requirements for supporting introduction of HPV vaccine: 1) the ability to deliver multi-dose vaccines for no less than 50% of the target vaccination cohort in an average size district, and 2) achieving over 70% coverage of DTP3 vaccine nationally. From 2008 through 2011 all SSA countries, with the exception of Mauritania and Nigeria, have reached or maintained DTP3 coverage at 70% or above.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for more education to inform the public about HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer, particularly to key demographics, (adolescents, parents and healthcare professionals), to leverage high levels of willingness and acceptability of HPV vaccine towards successful implementation of HPV vaccination programs. There is unpreparedness in most SSA countries to roll out national HPV vaccination as per the GAVI Alliance eligibility criteria for supporting introduction of the vaccine. In countries that have met 70% DTP3 coverage, pilot programs need to be rolled out to identify the best practice and strategies for delivering HPV vaccines to adolescents and also to qualify for GAVI Alliance support.

HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Perceived Risk of Cervical Cancer among Female College Students in Taiwan

The study targeted the HPV vaccine knowledge and perceived risk of cervical cancer among female college students in Taiwan as well as the relationship between knowledge of the HPV vaccine and perceived risk of cervical cancer. The results of this study on female college students are described using descriptive and correlation designs. A convenience sampling approach was employed with a self-filling structured questionnaire. A total of 150 students completed the questionnaire. Values were 7.49 for the mean HPV vaccine knowledge scale and 18.0 for their mean perceived risk of cervical cancer scale. HPV vaccine knowledge was positively correlated with perceived risk of cervical cancer. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for future HPV prevention in Taiwan.

Awareness and Knowledge about Human Papillomavirus Infection and Vaccination among Women in UAE

Cervical cancer is the second commonest female cancer worldwide. The 50-55 cases of cervical cancer are reported annually in the UAE. There is a scarcity of data from Middle Eastern region regarding knowledge and attitude of women towards HPV infection, cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccine. The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge of women regarding HPV infection and vaccine in UAE. A cross-sectional survey of 640 women aged 18-50 years was conducted in Al-Ain district in UAE using convenience sampling. Women with previous diagnosis of cervical cancer, non- residents of UAE, younger than 18 or older than 50 years of age and those unable to speak Arabic or English were excluded from the study. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of HPV knowledge with independent factors like age, education etc. Only 29% of our sampled women have ever heard of HPV infection. Only 15.3% women recognized it as STI. Only about 22% women have also heard of the HPV vaccine. Three quarter of the women in our study thought that cervical cancer can be prevented. About 28% recognized vaccine as a preventive measure against cervical cancer. Age (AOR 1.049, 95%CI 1.02-1.08) and husband's level of education were found to be significant (p value 0.015) after adjusting for women's age. The knowledge of HPV infection and vaccine is low in the UAE. Few women recognized HPV as sexually transmitted infection. Increasing age and husband's education are associated with better knowledge of HPV infection.

Knowledge and Awareness of HPV Infection and Vaccination Among Urban Adolescents in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination among 1,000 adolescent girls from secondary schools and colleges in five metro cities of India-Ahmedabad, Cuttack, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Visakhapatnam. To evaluate participants own interest and barriers toward HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention. This cross-sectional study was conducted by Adolescent Health Committee of FOGSI from April 2009 to March 2010 under the project "protecting young girls." Girls of 13-19years, with an average of 16years are targeted. A written questionnaire with two parts has been applied. A preliminary written questionnaire included questions of knowledge on cancer cervix and HPV awareness. Then, health talk on HPV is given by the researcher and group discussions lasting for 20min. Second questionnaire was then applied to evaluate effectiveness of the talk. The study group participants are poorly aware about HPV infection and vaccination but are intensely willing to know about it and get vaccinated. 72% of them did not know about cervical cancer or HPV. 77.2% were not aware of the virus that causes cancer cervix. After the health talks. there is an overall significant positive improvement in both knowledge and awareness. 74.4% of them agreed to get vaccinated. This study brings out the unawareness about HPV infection and vaccination in urban adolescent girls in five metro cities in India. Results show a changing positive trend of acceptance toward HPV vaccination. Adolescent understanding of HPV is needed to have successful vaccination programs in India.

HPV Awareness and Vaccine Acceptability in Hispanic Women Living Along the US-Mexico Border

Despite advances in prevention of cervical cancer in the US, women of Hispanic origin still bear an unequal burden in cervical cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to determine the HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptability in a group of mostly Hispanic females. In this cross sectional survey, 62% of participants heard of HPV; 34.9% identified HPV as a cause of cervical cancer. 63% of participants reported willingness to receive vaccine and 77% were willing to vaccinate daughters. Those with previous abnormal PAPs were more likely to have heard of HPV and Vaccine. No other factors examined showed association with willingness to get vaccine or administer to daughters. Knowledge level remains low in this high risk population. Willingness to receive vaccine is high despite lack of access to care. Increased targeted community based education and vaccination programs may be useful in closing disparity in cervical cancer morbidity.

A Study on Reproductive tract Morbidity and awareness Regarding Cervical Cancer among Women at UHTC Multan Nagar Meerut

Background: Cervical cancer has a major impact on woman's lives worldwide and one in every five women suffering from cervical cancer belongs to India. Objectives: 1) To study the magnitude of reproductive tract illness among the women 2) To assess awareness about symptoms, risk factors causes, treatment , prevention and knowledge of screening Pap smear and HPV Vaccine of Cervical Cancer among the female. Materials and Method: A total of 464 women attending at UHTC Multan nagar Meerut for reproductive tract morbidity , Out of them, 325 females patients of age group > 15 , who had at least one complaint regarding reproductive tract morbidity and to know the awareness regarding cervical cancer were selected for the study. Results: In this study, women were suffering various reproductive illness and knowledge about symptoms , causes , risk factors , treatment and prevention of cervical cancer was poor among the women. Conclusion: There is a need to sensitize women through awareness campaigns to undergo cervical screening at regular intervals.

Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake, knowledge and attitude among 10th grade students in Berlin, Germany, 2010

Purpose: Since March 2007, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends HPV vaccination for all 12–17 y-old females in Germany. In the absence of an immunization register, we aimed at assessing HPV-vaccination coverage and knowledge among students in Berlin, the largest city in Germany, to identify factors influencing HPV-vaccine uptake.Results:Between September and December 2010, 442 students completed the questionnaire (mean age 15.1; range 14–19). In total 281/442 (63.6%) students specified HPV correctly as a sexually transmitted infection. Of 238 participating girls, 161 (67.6%) provided their vaccination records. Among these, 66 (41.0%) had received the recommended three HPV-vaccine doses. Reasons for being HPV-unvaccinated were reported by 65 girls: Dissuasion from parents (40.2%), dissuasion from their physician (18.5%), and concerns about side-effects (30.8%) (multiple choices possible). The odds of being vaccinated increased with age (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.19, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.16, 4.15) and decreased with negative attitude toward vaccinations (OR = 0.33, 95%CI 0.13, 0.84).Methods:Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 10th grade school students in 14 participating schools in Berlin to assess socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and statements on vaccinations. Vaccination records were reviewed. Multivariable statistical methods were applied to identify independent predictors for HPV-vaccine uptake among female participants.Conclusions:HPV-vaccine uptake was low among school girls in Berlin. Both, physicians and parents were influential regarding their HPV-vaccination decision even though personal perceptions played an important role as well. School programs could be beneficial to improve knowledge related to HPV and vaccines, and to offer low-barrier access to HPV vaccination.

Knowledge and Acceptability of the HPV Vaccine Among Ethnically Diverse Black Women

The purpose of the study was to examine HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptability among ethnically diverse Black women. Forty-four women were interviewed in 6 focus groups (2 African American, 2 English-speaking Caribbean, 1 Haitian, and 1 African). Thematic content analysis was used to generate common concepts and themes and to compare findings across groups. There was varied but limited knowledge and confusion across ethnic groups about the HPV infection and vaccine. African and Haitian women had the least knowledge. Overall, women were generally receptive toward the HPV vaccine for girls but unclear about the need to vaccinate boys. Concerns about the HPV vaccine were mainly related to side effects/safety and vaccinating children at a young age. Healthcare provider's recommendation of the vaccination was important for decision making. Educational interventions with Black women about HPV vaccination should recognize cultural beliefs that vary by ethnic group.

Barriers to HPV immunization for African American adolescent females

PurposeThe objective of this study was to identify motivations and barriers to HPV vaccination and culturally relevant and meaningful opportunities for vaccine promotion among African American mothers and adolescent daughters. Qualitative methods were employed to identify barriers to HPV immunization and understand mothers motivations to vaccinate their daughters. We conducted in-depth interviews with 19 mother–daughter pairs focused on 5 key areas: health history, prior vaccine experience, knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, relationship with physician, and experience of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer (CD/CC). ResultsFour key factors drive HPV immunization among African-American mothers of adolescent daughters. First, mothers’ CD/CC disease experiences motivated a strong commitment to protect daughters from the trauma of CD/CC. Second, limited understanding of HPV and its connection to CD/CC made it difficult for mothers to assess the risk of infection or explain the medical benefits of the vaccine to their daughters. Third, mothers anticipate the sexual debut of adolescent daughters and advocate for healthcare interventions to protect them. Mothers were not deterred by multiple visits to complete the vaccine series; they likened HPV immunization to injectable contraceptives that require a series of injections and offer protection from the unintended consequences of sexual activity. Finally, mothers trusted physicians to initiate discussion of HPV immunization. Physicians who failed to initiate discussion and offer unconditional endorsement generated doubt about the vaccine among mothers and missed opportunities for immunization. ConclusionsOur initial results indicate that physicians can engage in culturally relevant vaccine promotion in urban, underserved African American communities by initiating discussions of HPV immunization that (1) acknowledge mothers’ own CD/CC experiences, (2) support parenting strategies that aim to protect daughters from the unintended consequences of sexual activity, and (3) make explicit the connection between CD/CC and HPV infection, and between prevention of HPV infection and HPV immunization.

Teenagers' knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccination in the first year of the public vaccination programme

The aim of this study was to assess teens' knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination one year after the initiation of the public vaccination programme and information campaign on the disease and the opportunity of vaccination. Between 15 May and 15 June 2009, a survey was carried out on 1,105 teenagers attending high schools in a town in the northeast of Italy by means of an anonymous and unannounced questionnaire covering the knowledge of HPV infection, transmission, prevention, vaccination and post-vaccination behaviours. Only 75% of teens knew what HPV infection is (92% of girls vs 51% of boys, p < 0.001); only 70% knew that it is a sexually-transmitted infection. Only 69.3% associated condoms with HPV disease prevention (72.6% girls vs 61.5% boys, p = 0.002). About 18.8% of girls and 33.2% of boys believe that HPV can lead to AIDS (p < 0.001). Among teens aware of HPV vaccination, 7.6% of girls and 21.8% of boys believe that it can prevent AIDS (p < 0.001). Only 75.5% of girls and 51.1% of boys (p < 0.001) believe that condom use remains useful for HPV prevention after vaccination. The need for regular pap smears after vaccination is reported by 93.3% of girls. Teens' knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination remains insufficient, despite a broad information campaign. Erroneous information may increase risky sexual behaviours. Without complete information about HPV infection and vaccination and information about other sexually-transmitted diseases, the latter might become difficult to control among teenagers, while some misunderstandings about the usefulness of secondary prevention might linger.

Knowledge and Acceptability of Pap Smears, Self-Sampling and HPV Vaccination among Adult Women in Kenya

Knowledge and Acceptability of Pap Smears, Self-Sampling and HPV Vaccination among Adult Women in Kenya

Development of a radionovela to promote HPV vaccine awareness and knowledge among Latino parents.

Development of a radionovela to promote HPV vaccine awareness and knowledge among Latino parents.

Abstract A20: HPV and HPV vaccine education intervention: Effects on parents, healthcare staff, and school staff

Abstract Background: Increasing knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine is a potentially important way to increase vaccination rates, yet few education interventions have addressed these topics. We report the results of an education intervention targeting three key groups who have contact with adolescent females. Methods: We conducted HPV education intervention sessions during 2008 and 2009 in Guilford County, North Carolina. Guilford County has a higher proportion of African American residents compared to North Carolina as a whole, as well as one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in the state. Parents (n=376), healthcare staff (n=118), and school staff (n=456) attended the one-time education sessions and completed self-administered surveys. Analyses used mixed regression models. Results: Participants had relatively low levels of objectively assessed HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge prior to the intervention. The education intervention increased self-rated HPV knowledge among all three key groups (all p&amp;lt;0.001), as well as objectively assessed knowledge about many aspects of HPV and HPV vaccine among healthcare and school staff members (all p&amp;lt;0.05). Although all groups experienced an increase in their self-rated knowledge, the largest increase was seen among parents, with healthcare and school staff experiencing smaller increases (p&amp;lt;0.05). Following the intervention, over 90% of school staff members believed HPV and HPV vaccine education is worthwhile for school personnel and that middle schools are an appropriate venue for this education. Most parents (97%) and school staff members (85%) indicated they would be supportive of school-based vaccination clinics. Discussion: An important first step in increasing HPV vaccination rates among adolescent females in the US is to improve knowledge levels among key groups influential to adolescents’ vaccination behaviors. In this study, we demonstrated that a simple education intervention greatly improved objectively assessed and self-rated HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge levels among parents, healthcare staff, and school staff members. Such interventions offer a relatively low effort and potentially effective strategy for increasing HPV vaccination. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A20.

S14.2 A study of African American and Latina women and human papillomavirus: lessons learnt

BackgroundAfrican American and Latina women in the United States suffer from sexually transmitted infections at higher rates than white women. It is particularly important to prevent HPV in these groups...