The stress of seeking work daily, separation from family, inadequate housing and lack of health care puts this population at increased risk for disease conditions associated with poor physical and mental health.

Background Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in U.S. women, with Hispanic women at higher risk of mortality than non-Hispanic white women. While the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine represents substantial progress towards cervical cancer prevention, little is currently known about Hispanic student’s beliefs regarding the HPV vaccine. Objective To assess the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs of college students in the U.S.-Mexico border region following the release of the HPV vaccine for both males and females. Methods This survey was conducted using a convenience sample where participants were recruited from pre-nursing and nursing courses. The self-administered questionnaire ascertained HPV vaccination status, and knowledge and beliefs regarding the HPV vaccine. Results 202 male and female students responded. 28.9% of respondents reported having received the HPV vaccine. Of the non-vaccinated students under age 27, 27.3% Hispanic students reported an intention to receive the vaccine. Misinformation about HPV was common and among non-Hispanic white students was associated with intention to get vaccinated. Conclusions We found a relatively small proportion of unvaccinated Hispanic and non-Hispanic nursing students intending to be vaccinated for HPV. Findings indicate an intervention to increase vaccination rates among college-aged students may not be as straightforward as increasing knowledge of HPV. Implications for Practice Nurses are in a unique position to educate and recommend HPV to underserved patients. Thus, educating nursing students regarding HPV and the associated cancers is paramount if we are to encourage ethnic minorities to receive the HPV vaccine.

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