Awareness and Knowledge Levels of Turkish College Students about Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccine Acceptance

Do peer-based short-form educational videos created by nursing students improve youths' knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases? A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remains high worldwide in today's society, especially among young people. Youth education on STDs could help to reduce the prevalence of the condition in society and prevent new cases.

AIM

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of peer-based short-form educational videos on youths' knowledge of STDs.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Turkey. The sample consisted of 121 students divided into experimental and control groups. Pre- and post-test control group quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study during the spring semester of the academic year 2021-2022. Peer-based short-form educational videos created by nursing students were used as an intervention. The survey form and Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire were used to collect data.

RESULTS

Participants with parental responsibilities and had previous STD experience had higher knowledge score than the other subgroups. There was a significant main effect of peer-based short-form educational video on participants overall knowledge score of STDs. Additionally, the effect of intervention continued at 12-week follow-up measurement.

CONCLUSION

Peer-based short-form educational videos increase young people's knowledge of STD, and the impact of the intervention continued at 12-week follow up.

Assessing the Level of Knowledge and Experience Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening among Roma Women in Romania

Background and Objectives: Romania ranks among the countries with a particularly high rate of mortality that can be prevented through prevention programs, screening, early detection, and prompt care. Cervical cancer (CC) is a major cause of these preventable deaths, affecting individuals from marginalized and rural regions, as well as the Roma population. The purpose of this article was to identify accurate and consistent information about the Roma population on the risk of CC, as well as the importance of understanding the causes of the disease and awareness of the available prevention methods. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire applied only to Roma women in Romania. Results: We enrolled 759 patients in this study. These were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 289 (38.1%) women who had been tested for HPV infection, while Group 2 included 470 (61.9%) women who had never been tested for HPV infection. Characterization of women in Group 1: mostly aged between 25 and 54 years, with high school education, married, who started sexual activity under the age of 18 years, with only one sexual partner, and had over five pregnancies. Regarding contraceptive methods, 35.7% of women do not know or use any contraceptive method, and 32.2% use hormonal contraceptives. Two thirds of the women tested had heard of HPV, and 19.7% were vaccinated against HPV with at least 2-3 doses. A percentage of 8.7 had a diagnosis of CC, compared to those who were not tested (p-0.0001), whereas 63% of the tested women did not know much about CC, as opposed to 85.7% of the group of untested women. Conclusions: Cervical cancer (CC) continues to be a public health concern in Romania, particularly among vulnerable groups. Promoting campaigns to raise awareness for HPV vaccination and CC screening are necessary to reduce the associated mortality and morbidity.

Acceptance and Associated Risk Factors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Parents of Daughters in Intermediate Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Women in Saudi Arabia have little knowledge of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and its vaccine. This study assessed the acceptance, barriers, and facilitators of HPV vaccination and its associated factors among parents of daughters in intermediate schools during the academic year September 2022-June 2023 in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the barriers and facilitators of HPV vaccination and its associated factors among parents of daughters in intermediate schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This was an analytical community-based cross-sectional study that targeted 947 parents of girls older than 15 in intermediate schools in Tabuk City. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data using a web-based survey.

RESULTS

The knowledge about HPV and its vaccine in mothers was 1.627 times higher than in fathers, mainly when employed, highly educated, aged <40 years, and earning a higher income. In addition, the Saudis' knowledge of HPV and its vaccine was 1.275 times higher than non-Saudis. The HPV vaccine acceptability among mothers was 1.259 times higher than the fathers, especially when non-employed, aged <40 years, and with higher income. The parent who knows the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer accepts the vaccine 1.794 times higher than those who ignore this relationship. On the other hand, the Saudi's acceptability of the vaccine was 0.671 times lower than non-Saudis.

Knowledge and perceptions regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and willingness to receive HPV vaccination among university students in a north-eastern city in Turkey

BACKGROUND

For a HPV vaccination program to be successful, it is important that the target population has sufficient knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate HPV-related knowledge levels among students at a university in northern Turkey, to assess vaccination willingness, and to determine factors associated with HPV-related knowledge.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 824 (93.1%) students studying at 16 different faculties. The study population was identified through the proportional stratified sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics and the HPV Knowledge Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors that may be associated with knowledge scores.

RESULTS

43.6% of the students had never heard of HPV, 50.6% of them had never heard of HPV screening tests or HPV vaccination. Only 2.7% of the students were vaccinated against HPV and 15.7% were willing to receive HPV vaccination. Awareness of HPV and willingness to receive vaccination were found to be higher among women, while previous experience with sexual intercourse was higher in men (p < 0.05). The mean HPV knowledge score was quite low (6.74 ± 7.13 out of 29 points). The studying in a field related to health sciences, being a senior student, intending to be vaccinated, being a woman, having had sex were found to be associated with high knowledge levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Educational programmes should be developed to increase university students' knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine.

Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward sexually transmitted infections among Baghdad undergraduate students for research-guided sexual health education

Background

Sexually transmitted infections are common and tend to cause a lot of public misconceptions. This study was conducted to identify knowledge gaps and negative attitudes toward sexually transmitted infections and infected individuals among undergraduate students and give recommendations accordingly for the development of more objective research-guided health campaigns and school sex education programs.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 17, 2022 and June 2, 2022 using a self-administrated questionnaire containing 84 items related to sexually transmitted infections distributed online to Baghdad-based university students.

Result

The sample consisted of 823 respondents; 332 men and 491 women. Overall knowledge was moderate to high, with 628 individuals (76.3%) answering more than half the questions correctly. There was no difference according to gender or previous sexual experience, but knowledge increased by an average of 2.73 points (p < 0.001) when a participant knew a previously infected individual. Less than half identified systemic symptoms of STIs, and their knowledge of other HIV items was also poor. Most respondents (85.5%) agreed to the need for sex education during middle or high school and cited traditional barriers as the most critical barrier (64.8%); in comparison, those who did not agree on its need cited the sensitivity of the subject (40.3%) or religious barriers (20.2%) as more important.

Conclusion

Specific knowledge gaps exist for HIV and non-HIV sexually transmitted infections; these should be addressed during sex education, focusing on specific high-risk groups. Negative attitudes and stigmatizing behavior should be addressed as well by increasing focused STI knowledge.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge, beliefs, and vaccine uptake among United States and international college students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine, college student's beliefs toward HPV, and HPV vaccine uptake between US and international college students studying in the US. Participants: The study was conducted using a sample (N = 588) of college students from a university in the South Central US. Methods: Study measures was derived from previously validated measures. Data were collected via an online survey using Qualtrics. Results: Significant differences were found in HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, and HPV vaccine uptake between US and international college students. Conclusion: This study showed existing disparities between US and international college students regarding HPV and HPV vaccine awareness, and HPV vaccine uptake. College health centers can play a crucial role in raising awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination rates by organizing various intervention programs to reduce these disparities.

Turkish mothers' knowledge and attitude about HPV vaccine

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Turkish mothers about cervix cancer,HPV infection and vaccination.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted the mothers with children aged under 18 years who applied pediatric outpatient clinic.Research data were collected using a face-to-face survey includes sociodemographic characteristics of patients and mothers' knowledge level and attitude about the vaccination for HPV and cervical cancer.

RESULTS

The rate of mothers who stated that they knew the causes of cervical cancer was 30.3%. Of the 71.5% mothers did not know whether there was a vaccine that protects against cervical cancer.Of the mothers who stated to have heard about the HPV vaccine, 39.2% said that the HPV vaccine is received at 9 years and above, 35.7% said that it could be given to both genders, and 75% knew that the vaccine is not reimbursed. Educational status (p < 0.001), working as a healthcare worker (p < 0.001) and the level of income (p < 0.001), were significantly correlated with the awareness of the causes of cervical cancer in a positive direction. None of the participants vaccinated their child, 91.5% ask for information about HPV and 67.3% stated that they might consider vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of vaccines against HPV has significantly changed the approach used in the treatment of cervical cancer. Healthcare professionals have a great responsibility to inform the public about the HPV vaccine.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare providers can use the results of this study to identify parents at risk for vaccine hesitancy and initiate individualized education to promote on-time childhood vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Male University Students in Turkey: Coverage Rate, Barriers, and Associated Factors

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is one of the most effective public health measures for preventing HPV-related cancers and other diseases. However, vaccination coverage is not at the desired level, especially among men. In this context, we aimed to determine HPV vaccination rates, barriers, and some related demographic and personal factors among male university students in Turkey. We shared an online questionnaire prepared by the authors in line with the relevant literature on social media platforms and included 1723 male university students in this cross-sectional study. Only 4.9% of the students stated that they were vaccinated against HPV, and the most important obstacle to vaccination was not knowing when to be vaccinated (49.5%). Additionally, marital status, sexual orientation, chronic diseases, family history of cervical cancer, and having heard of HPV were significant predictors of HPV vaccination.

Is there still a necessity for awareness and information about HPV infection and vaccine for adolescent in developing countries?

Increasing awareness of human papilloma virus (HPV) and vaccines among the target population is an important factor for decreasing the rate of malignancies related to HPV. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine Turkish high school and college students' knowledge level of HPV and vaccines via a survey. The HPV knowledge scale (HPV-KS) has been developed to measure the level of knowledge about HPV and vaccination. The response rate of 'Yes' to the question of whether the participants have heard of HPV and the vaccine was 60.8% and 58.8%, respectively. The lack of information was the commonest reason for not being vaccinated in 54% of the participants. According to the HPV-KS, the median value of the knowledge level of the participants was 35.7 (IQR; 14.3-57.1). The HPV-KS scores were significantly higher among those with parents who had graduated from university and had an income above the minimum wage than those who did not (p = .013 and p = .029, respectively). Current evidence suggests that Turkish adolescents have limited HPV knowledge. Gender, age, education (particularly university and health-related departments), parents' level of education and income were all important factors in determining the outcome variables. Therefore, it is very important to apply educational programs to raise awareness by medical staff.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a major threat due to the reason of many malignancies, especially cervical cancer, and this problem can be overcome by informing the target population about the screening program and vaccination.What do the results of this study add? Lack of knowledge about HPV infection and cost of the vaccine were the main reasons for insufficient vaccination rate among the adolescents.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In developing countries such as Turkey, the necessity to raise awareness about HPV infection and vaccination has emerged. As a result, it is critical to implement educational campaigns to enhance awareness, particularly by medical staff.

Identification Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Emirati Men about HPV

One of the most frequent cancers that affects males globally is cervical cancer (CC) that kills hundreds or even thousands of women each year, particularly in underdeveloped nations. The study focuses on human papillomavirus (HPV) that contributes to cervical cancer (CC) development. In the majority of Arab nations, there seems to be no public education or vaccination programs. In research, methodological rigor is employed to find solutions to both theoretical and practical difficulties. This research aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of the HPV vaccination among Emirati men. Results of the research showed that Emirati males had a poor understanding of HPV and its vaccination. According to the findings of this research, Emirati males lack a basic understanding of HPV, which necessitates the implementation of national HPV education initiatives. We have identified several critical knowledge gaps that can be filled in the future regarding HPV infection and vaccination.

Willingness to Accept Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and its Influencing Factors Using Information-Motivation-Behavior Skills Model: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female College Freshmen in Mainland China

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among female college freshmen and explore their willingness and associated factors to receive the HPV vaccine based on the information-motivation-behavior skills (IMB) model.

METHODS

From February 21 to April 30, 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among female freshmen in seven colleges in mainland China. Socio-demographic characteristics, health-related awareness, knowledge of HPV, motivation, and behavioral skills toward HPV vaccination were assessed using questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the influencing factors of willingness to receive the HPV vaccine in the next 6 months.

RESULTS

Among the 3867 students invited to participate in this study, 102 (2.64%) reported having taken the HPV vaccine. Among the unvaccinated participants, 59.89% had previously heard of HPV, and 32.08% were willing to take the HPV vaccine in the next 6 months. Willingness to get the HPV vaccine was associated with sexual experience(s) (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.25-3.08), family or friends with cancer (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.48), having heard of HPV (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03-1.47), and having actively searched for or having consulted on issues concerning HPV vaccine (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02-1.45). In the dimensions of the IMB model, "perceived susceptibility" (AOR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.09-1.31), "perceived severity" (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11-1.39), "subjective norms" (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.75-2.49), and "self-efficacy" (AOR: 2.95, 95% CI: 2.44-3.58) were positively associated with HPV vaccination acceptance, while "perceived barriers" (AOR = .60, 95% CI: .52-.69) negatively affected intention to get HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSION

HPV vaccination rates and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine in the next 6 months were found to be poor among female college freshmen in mainland China. Having a positive attitude toward HPV vaccination, creating vaccine-friendly social norms, and removing related barriers are important measures to promote HPV immunization.

Difference Between Medical and Nonmedical Students on Knowledge, Practice, and Attitude Towards the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in China: a Cross-Sectional Study

HPV vaccine can prevent HPV infection effectively. The college student's vaccination status is unclear in mainland China. We assessed the knowledge, practice, and attitude towards HPV vaccine and compared the differences between medical and nonmedical students. It was a cross-sectional study using self-administered anonymous questionnaires. Nine-hundred sixty full-time college students were recruited randomly at Peking University in China. The medical students had higher level of knowledge of HPV and its vaccine than the nonmedical students (p < 0.001). The vaccinated female students were 9.0%. The high-grade clinical students had a higher uptake rate than the nonmedical students (19.5 vs 8.6%, p < 0.05). Awareness of HPV (p < 0.01), awareness of the vaccine (p < 0.001), and vaccinated family members or friends (p < 0.001) were related to the nonmedical students' vaccination. Vaccinated family members or friends were significant predictor for students' vaccination status (p < 0.001). Medical students knew more about HPV and its vaccine than nonmedical students. Female students' vaccinated rate was low, and the high-grade clinical students had a higher uptake rate than the nonmedical students.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice on screening toward cervical cancer among health professionals in India-A review

Background:

Globally, 570,000 cases of cervical cancer and 311,000 deaths from the disease occurred in 2018. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. About 96,922 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed annually in India.

Objective:

To summarize the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward screening of cervical cancer among health professionals in India.

Materials and methods:

Health sciences electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2012 and March 2020. Keywords used for the search were (“CERVICAL CANCER”), (“SCREENING”), (“KNOWLEDGE”), (“ATTITUDE”), (“PRACTICE”), (“HEALTH PROFESSIONALS”), AND (“INDIA”). A total of 22 articles were included in the review based on the eligibility criteria. Statistical software SPSS-V.23 was used for the statistical application.

Results:

A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria with total of 6811 health professionals. The age of the study participants ranged from 18 to 60 years. The overall knowledge of cervical cancer among health professionals was 75.15%. The knowledge toward signs and symptoms and risk factors was adequate among health professionals. The knowledge, attitude, and practice toward screening was 86.20%, 85.47%, and 12.70%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The health professionals have optimum level of knowledge of cervical cancer and knowledge of screening of cervical cancer with appropriate attitude toward screening with low uptake of practice toward screening.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus among Pharmacists in Japan

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) among pharmacists in Japan.

Methods:

Questionnaires were disseminated to 788 pharmacists employed by the Tsuruha Holdings Inc. A total of 617 pharmacists responded, generating a response rate of 78.3%.

Result:

Of the 362 females and 255 males, vaccination rates were 14.4% and 0.8%, respectively. In terms of cervical cytology, 35.1% of females received it once every two years, and 26.2% received it irregularly. As for HPV testing, 12.2% of females received it once every two years, and 16.6% received it irregularly. The rate of “school curriculum” as an information source was significantly higher among younger pharmacists; while “internet”, “media”, “training seminar for pharmacist”, “advertisement in medical institution”, “internal manual”, and “others” were significantly higher among older pharmacists. The proportion of pharmacists with knowledge on general questions, except for those about HPV testing, was significantly higher among females than males. The vaccination rates of younger pharmacists were significantly higher than those of older pharmacists. The screening rates of cervical cytology were significantly higher among older than younger pharmacists, and also among those with at least 10 years of experience than those with less. There were no differences in the screening rates of HPV testing according to age or pharmacist experience.

Conclusion:

The proportion of pharmacists with knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV significantly varied depending on sex, age, and experience as a pharmacist. This study suggested that spreading the knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV might be effective for increasing the rates of cervical cancer screening.

Have you ever heard of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine? The awareness of HPV vaccine for college students in China based on meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the awareness of College Students (CSs) of HPV vaccine in China and provide evidence-based recommendations for HPV vaccine's publicity and promotion.Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Science of Direct, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data were searched. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to determine pooled estimates of Awareness Rate (AR) for HPV vaccine.Results: Of the 36 studies included, the estimated AR of HPV vaccine was 40.27% (95% CI: 30.86%, 50.06%) among Chinese CSs. The AR of HPV vaccine was stratified by factors as gender, major, area, city, survey time, and sampling method of the study. The pooled AR of HPV vaccine among CSs was as follows: 44.17% (95% CI: 31.65%, 57.09%) and 31.93% (95% CI: 13.25%, 54.30%) for females and males; 44.47% (95% CI: 29.90%, 59.55%) and 12.02% (95% CI: 7.69%, 17.15%) for medical-related and nonmedical majors; 44.47% (95% CI: 28.71-60.82%) and 41.16% (95% CI: 26.48-56.64%) for Eastern and Midwestern region; 48.86% (95% CI: 30.63-67.25%) and 33.19% (95% CI: 22.27-45.12%) for first-tier and second- and third-tier city; 29.67 (95% CI: 11.44-52.16%) and 38.81 (95% CI: 27.14-51.21%) for AR before and after HPV vaccine entered in China; 51.51% (95% CI: 32.21%, 70.53%) and 26.21% (95% CI: 17.41%, 36.10%) for nonrandom and random sampling.Conclusion: This review indicates that awareness of HPV vaccine among CSs remains relatively low in China compared with European countries. Our findings may provide useful information to better understand the HPV vaccine awareness status among Chinese CSs.

Analysis of community-based studies related with knowledge, awareness, attitude, and behaviors towards HPV and HPV vaccine published in Turkey: A systematic review

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is a proven method for preventing HPV-related cancers and genital warts, especially preventing cervical cancer. It is aimed to systematically review and synthesize conclusions in detail from community-based studies published in Turkey between 2009 and 2019, which evaluate the knowledge, awareness, attitude, and behaviors of individuals towards HPV and HPV vaccination. This systematic review is conducted based on the PRISMA reporting method and includes community-based, descriptive cross-sectional and cross-sectional studies published between 2009 and 2019. In this systematic review, 5132 studies from six databases were scanned in total. It was determined that there were 23 studies that met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. In the reviewed studies, it was determined that the rate of “Hearing of HPV before” was 3.8% at the lowest and 57.0% at the highest, and the rate of “Hearing of HPV vaccine before” was 2.2% at the lowest and 74.7% at the highest. In the reviewed studies, it was reported that although parents’ willingness to have their daughters vaccinated with HPV vaccine varied between 14.4% and 68.0%, their willingness to have their sons vaccinated with HPV vaccine varied between 11.0% and 62.0%. In addition, it was reported that the lowest rate of vaccination with HPV vaccine among participants was 0.3% at the lowest and 6.0% at the highest. Consequently, it is considered that conducting common, systematic, and continuous health education programs aimed at both sexes and including both parents, which will increase the knowledge and awareness on HPV and its vaccine, would provide positive attitudes, and will be effective in protecting against HPV-related cancers.

Knowledge, practice and attitude towards HPV vaccination among college students in Beijing, China

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice and attitude towards HPV vaccination among college students in Beijing, China. Furthermore, the factors influencing vaccination were analyzed. The data were collected via self-administered anonymous questionnaires completed by 884 college students who were recruited from a random sample at Peking University in China between September and December 2018. In total, 72.6% of the participants had previously heard of but had insufficient knowledge about HPV and the vaccine. The level of knowledge was significantly associated with the participants' age, major, and family members' or friends' vaccination status. In total, 68.8% of the students viewed college education as the primary source from which they hoped to receive information about the vaccine. Only 9.5% of the females had received the vaccine. Relationships with doctors, sexual experience and a high level of knowledge were positive predictors of vaccine uptake. Limited knowledge about the HPV vaccine was the primary and most common reason for refusing vaccination and not recommending the vaccine to others. Knowledge of the HPV vaccine among college students at Peking University was low to moderate, and the vaccine uptake was low. Policies and measures, such as college health education, are needed to increase college students knowledge of HPV and the vaccine, which may help improve the vaccination rate.

Feasibility of a combined strategy of HPV vaccination and screening in Mexico: the FASTER-Tlalpan study experience

There has been a noticeable shift in discussions about cervical cancer, moving from prevention to elimination. Interventions such as FASTER, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and HPV screening are innovative intervention strategies which can be utilized to begin a path to elimination. To explore the feasibility of the FASTER strategy, an evaluation was carried out in eight primary health-care centers within the Tlalpan Health-Jurisdiction of Mexico City between March 2017 and August 2018. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate three components: infrastructure, patient acceptability, and health-care professionals' perceptions. This included checklists of requirements for the infrastructure rollout of FASTER and interviews with women and health-care professionals. Nearly all (93%) of the 3,474 women aged 25-45 years accepted HPV vaccination as part of a combined vaccination and screening program. The main reason for acceptance was prevention, while having doubts about the vaccine's benefits was the main reason for refusal. Most of the 24 health-care professionals had a positive opinion toward HPV vaccination and identified the need to increase dissemination, inform the population clearly and concisely and currently extend the age range for vaccination. The evaluation of eight primary health-care centers showed they had the necessary infrastructure for the development of a joint HPV prevention strategy, but many centers required improvements to become more efficient. Together these findings suggest that although HPV vaccine acceptance was high, there is the need to increase education and awareness among potential vaccine recipients and health-care professionals to implement the FASTER strategy.

HPV vaccine acceptance among African-American mothers and their daughters: an inquiry grounded in culture

BACKGROUND

Much of the research on African-Americans' HPV vaccine acceptance has largely focused on racial/ethnic differences related to cognitive, socio-economical, and structural factors that contribute to differences in HPV vaccine acceptance and completion. A growing body of literature suggest that cultural factors, such as mistrust of healthcare providers (HCPs) and the healthcare system, religion, and social norms related to appropriate sexual behaviors, also plays a prominent role in their HPV vaccine acceptance. However, these studies were limited in their use of theoretical approaches necessary to conceptualize and operationalize culture.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of culture on African-American mothers' and daughters' HPV vaccine acceptance using the PEN-3, a culturally-centered conceptual framework.

METHODS

Grounded theory techniques were used to explore cultural factors that influenced the acceptance of the HPV vaccine among African-American mothers (n = 28) and their daughters (n = 34).

RESULTS

Positive attitudes towards vaccination stemmed from beliefs that the HPV vaccine has cancer prevention benefits and that vaccinations in general protected against infectious diseases. Negative attitudes stemmed from beliefs that the HPV vaccine was too new, not effective, daughters were too young, and that vaccines were not a one-size-fits-all intervention. Majority of mothers and daughters indicated that their religious doctrine did not impede their HPV vaccination decisions. For a few mothers, religious beliefs could not be separated from their HPV vaccination decisions and ultimately deterred HPV vaccine acceptance. HCP recommendations were valued however mothers were often dissatisfied with the detail of information communicated. Support networks provided both positive and negative types of social support to mothers and daughters. The media highlighted the cancer prevention benefits of the HPV vaccine and unintentionally communicated negative information of the HPV vaccine, which deterred HPV vaccine acceptance.

CONCLUSION

Study findings can inform the development of culturally appropriate interventions that advances the evidence on cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical Cancer Screening Programs in Europe: The Transition Towards HPV Vaccination and Population-Based HPV Testing

Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently occurring cancer in women around the world and can affect them during their reproductive years. Since the development of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, screening has been essential in identifying cervical cancer at a treatable stage. With the identification of the human papillomavirus (HPV) as the causative agent of essentially all cervical cancer cases, HPV molecular screening tests and HPV vaccines for primary prevention against the virus have been developed. Accordingly, comparative studies were designed to assess the performance of cervical cancer screening methods in order to devise the best screening strategy possible. This review critically assesses the current cervical cancer screening methods as well as the implementation of HPV vaccination in Europe. The most recent European Guidelines and recommendations for organized population-based programs with HPV testing as the primary screening method are also presented. Lastly, the current landscape of cervical cancer screening programs is assessed for both European Union member states and some associated countries, in regard to the transition towards population-based screening programs with primary HPV testing.

Influencers and preference predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among US male and female young adult college students

Objective

The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of male and female college students in Kentucky about HPV associated diseases and vaccines, and to determine which parameters predicted self-reported uptake of HPV vaccination.

Materials and methods

A self-selected cross-sectional sample of college students completed an evidence-based online survey.

Results

Of approximately 1200 potential respondents, 585 completed the survey. The average age was 20.6 (SD 3.15) and 78% were female; 84% of the population had had one or more sexual partners. Concern for HPV vaccine safety and potential need for boosters did not significantly deter vaccine uptake. Likewise, knowledge about HPV associated cancers was not predictive of vaccine uptake. On the other hand, parental influence for vaccination was a strong predictor for vaccine uptake (aOR = 5.32, 2.71–13.03), and free vaccine nearly doubled the likelihood of being vaccinated (aOR 1.90, 1.05–3.41). In addition, the strong preference for the respondent's partner to be HPV vaccinated predicted vaccine uptake (aOR = 4.04, 95% CI: 2.31–7.05), but the lack of preference for partner vaccination predicted an unvaccinated self (aOR = 0.50, 0.27–0.93).

Conclusions

HPV vaccination has been successful in young adult college students in Kentucky. Young adults prefer their partners to be HPV vaccinated regardless of whether they themselves are vaccinated. Parental influence and free vaccine were positive predictors for vaccine uptake in this population.

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Young adults have a very strong preference for their partner to be HPV vaccinated.

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Doctors do not influence young college adults’ decisions to be HPV vaccinated.

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Parents are a significant influencer for young adult HPV vaccine uptake.

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Young adults realize need for cervical cancer screening regardless of vaccine.

Psychosocial correlates of HPV vaccine acceptability in college males: A cross-sectional exploratory study

Background

Most college males are not immunized against the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are at high risk of HPV infection. Most research of correlates of HPV vaccine acceptability in college males has assessed vaccine acceptability as a binary outcome, e.g., vaccinated or not vaccinated, without considering that some students may not even be aware that the HPV vaccine can be given to males. Our objective was to evaluate the psychosocial correlates of HPV acceptability in college males, based on multiple stages of HPV decision-making.

Methods

We used an online questionnaire to collect data from college men aged 18–26 enrolled at three Canadian universities between September 2013 and April 2014. Vaccine acceptability assessment was informed by the six-stage decision-making Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM). We sought information on socio-demographics, health behaviors, HPV vaccine benefits and barriers, worry, susceptibility, severity related to HPV infection and social norms. HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge was measured with validated scales. Psychosocial correlates of HPV vaccine acceptability were assessed with bivariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression. Actual and perceived HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge scores were calculated.

Results

The final sample size was 428. Most male college students were unaware that the HPV vaccine could be given to males, unengaged or undecided about getting the HPV vaccine. Significant correlates of higher HPV vaccine acceptability were: increased HPV knowledge, having discussed the HPV vaccine with a healthcare provider, and social norms. Being in an exclusive sexual relationship was significantly associated with lower HPV vaccine acceptability. Students' actual HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge was low and positively correlated to their perception about their HPV knowledge.

Conclusions

We provided a fine-tuned analysis of psychosocial correlates of HPV vaccine acceptability in college males who are in the early stages of HPV vaccine decision-making. Interventions are needed to increase HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge in college males.

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Most college males were unaware that the HPV vaccine can be given to males.

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Significant correlates of HPV vaccine acceptability are provided.

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Perceived and actual HPV knowledge are positively correlated.

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The Precaution Adoption Process Model is appropriate for assessing HPV vaccine acceptability.

Young Hungarian Students' Knowledge about HPV and Their Attitude Toward HPV Vaccination

(1) Background: Hungarys's estimated cervical cancer mortality was 6.9/100,000 in 2012, above the average of the EU27 countries (3.7/100,000) in the same year. Since 2014, the bivalent HPV vaccine has been offered to schoolgirls aged 12-13. (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1022 high school seniors (492 girls, 530 boys) in 19 randomly selected schools in Budapest. Our anonymous questionnaire contained 54 items: basic socio-demographic data, knowledge about HPV infection/cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. (3) Results: 54.9% knew that HPV caused cervical cancer, and 52.1% identified HPV as an STD. Knowledge of risk factors such as promiscuity (46.9%) and early sexual activity (15.6%) was low, but higher than that of further HPV-induced diseases: genital warts (in females 9.9%, in males 9%), anal cancer (in females 2.2%, in males 1.9%), penile cancer (9.4%), and vulvar cancer (7.8%). A percentage of 14.6% feared getting infected, and 35.7% supported compulsory HPV vaccination. A percentage of 51.2% would have their future children vaccinated-significantly more girls than boys. (4) Conclusion: Our results support the findings of previous studies about young adults' HPV-related knowledge, which was poor, especially regarding pathologies in men. Despite the low level of awareness, the students' attitude was mostly positive when asked about vaccinating their future children.