What college women know, think and do about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine

Abstract

Participants were a convenience sample of college women (n=384) ages 18 to 26 attending a large, public university in Southern California. An electronic self-administered survey was utilized to collect data. The theory of planned behavior provided a framework for understanding the factors associated with vaccine uptake and with post-vaccine sexual behaviors. Results: College women had good HPV/HPV vaccine knowledge. Over 90% of vaccinees and non-vaccinees knew that Pap test is still needed after the vaccination and an HPV vaccine does not protect against all STIs. Both groups also had positive attitudes toward mandatory vaccination. However, knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine were not directly linked to the outcome predictors-intention to obtain the vaccine and vaccine uptake. While attitude toward getting vaccinated, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were correlated with the outcome predictors, subjective norms consistently predicted intention to obtain HPV vaccine and vaccine uptake. There were no significant differences in sexual behaviors (numbers of sexual partners in a life time, numbers of sexual partners in the past 12 months, condom use, condom use frequency) between non-vaccinees and vaccinees. The numbers of sexual partners before and after vaccination among vaccinees were also not significantly different. Conclusions: Strategies to ensure that those who are eligible for catch-up vaccination are vaccinated should include attention to college women's subjective norms. Vaccine mandatory proposal would not be unacceptable to this population and concerns that the HPV vaccine encourages unsafe sexual behaviors and practices among college aged women may be disregarded.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and factors related to intention to obtain the vaccine among young college women in Thailand

“…This study indicated that factors influencing intention include attitude toward obtaining the vaccine, subjective norm (perceived pressure from significant others in order to vaccinate), HPV/HPV vaccine knowledge, and age. Using the same theoretical framework, the study results are similar to prior studies conducted among young adults in Canada and America where the intention was predicted by the attitude and subjective norm [13,28,29]. In addition, a study conducted among Taiwanese undergraduate women reported that vaccination intention was associated with recommendations from others, vaccine cost, availability, and perceived disease severity, risks, and vaccination benefits [30].…”

“…The anonymous paper-based questionnaire titled HPV and HPV vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors was adapted and translated to Thai from the first author's prior study with college women in the USA [13]. The translated questionnaire was translated back by two persons -one researcher who earned her Doctorate Degree in nursing from the USA and one Thai-American citizen who earned her Master Degree in public administration.…”

“…In the USA, national data in 2009 showed the vaccination coverage among adolescents was 44.3 percent and among women aged 19-26 was 17.1 percent [12]. A 2012 study in the USA reported the HPV vaccination among young women aged 18-26 was 47.3 percent [13].…”

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake After a Tailored, Online Educational Intervention for Female University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Although initial cross-sectional studies after vaccine approval showed limited positive associations between HPV-related knowledge and intention to be vaccinated against HPV in young female adults, 19-21 more recent investigations have shown that knowledge is not associated with interest in vaccination or vaccine uptake after adjustment for other factors. 18,22 Factually driven educational interventions targeting participant knowledge have shown to have some impact on intention to be vaccinated 7 but have not been associated with change in actual vaccine uptake. 9,10 Taken together, these studies suggest that a knowledgefocused approach may impact immediate vaccine intent, but does not appear to affect behavior.…”

Three‐year questionnaire survey on human papillomavirus vaccination targeting new female college students

“…The present study showed that the proportion of students who received education on cervical cancer increased from 2011 to 2013 (Table 1). Although knowledge of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccination may not be directly linked to HPV vaccination uptake, as noted by Ratanasiripong et al, 8 many investigations have shown that knowledge of cervical cancer positively influences the rate of HPV vaccination uptake. [14][15][16][17] In the present study, the logistic regression model included factors of education and knowledge.…”