HPV vaccine awareness, knowledge and information sources among youth in Switzerland: a mixed methods study

Assessment of knowledge of human papillomavirus transmission and prevention among tertiary institution students in the Plateau Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) is a significant global public health concern, known to be a leading cause of cancer related death among women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed knowledge of HPV infection, transmission, prevention, and HPV vaccine uptake among tertiary institution students in Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from two tertiary institutions in Plateau State, Nigeria. Using a structured pretested questionnaire, data were collected from participants selected by two-stage sampling technique. Participants' responses were analysed to assess their knowledge regarding HPV transmission, prevention, and vaccination. A composite score was obtained for the general HPV knowledge. A score of more than 70.0% indicated good knowledge. The distribution of the variables was examined using frequency distribution and descriptive statistics. The chi-square test was performed for bivariate analysis. Logistics regression was performed to examine the odds of having good HPV knowledge among the students. Level of significant was set at 95%. Of the 425 participants, 302 (71.1%) were female and 123 (28.9%) were male, with a mean age of 23 ± 2.8 years. There was low awareness of HPV among participants, with higher awareness among the females 66 (23.1%) than the males 26 (22.2%) (p = .853). Both female 77 (26.1%) and male participants 31 (26.72%) had low awareness of HPV vaccination. Among all participants, only 19 (5%) demonstrated good knowledge of HPV. Participants who were employed significantly had good knowledge of HPV compared to those who were unemployed. There was inadequate general knowledge of HPV and its vaccination among tertiary institution students in Plateau State, Nigeria. The students' employment status was associated with their knowledge of HPV. Targeted educational programs focusing on diverse educational levels and institution types are recommended to enhance HPV knowledge and promote vaccine uptake.

Exploring the Impact of Knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus and Its Vaccine on Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Adults in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate knowledge about HPV and its vaccine, additionally, to examine the effect of knowledge about HPV and its vaccine on perceived benefits and barriers to HPV vaccination among individuals in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was employed in the western region of Saudi Arabia through a self-administered web-based survey. The survey assessed knowledge, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers to HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

A total of 1149 eligible participants completed the survey. Participants exhibited limited knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, with an average total score of 4.76 out of 15. Over 80% of participants were unaware that HPV may not show symptoms, cannot lead to HIV, and is not treatable with antibiotics. Over half were unaware that HPV can cause cervical cancer, oral cancer, or genital warts. Unmarried and graduate-educated participants demonstrated greater knowledge. Perceived benefits were positively associated with knowledge levels, while perceived barriers were negatively associated with knowledge levels after controlling for other variables.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the need for education and healthcare efforts to raise knowledge about HPV and its vaccine in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Also, this study indicated that enhanced knowledge boosts positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination, while reducing perceived barriers, thereby increasing vaccination rates.

A comprehensive narrative review of challenges and facilitators in the implementation of various HPV vaccination program worldwide

INTRODUCTION

Cervical cancer has been considered as one of the most common cancers in women (15-44 years) globally, but the advent of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine has raised the anticipation that eradication of cervical carcinoma might be achieved in the near future as several prophylactic cervical carcinoma vaccines have already been currently licensed in various countries. Countries should devise strategies, practices and policies to attain and sustain higher levels of HPV immunization coverage as still 68% countries have introduced HPV vaccine in their national immunization programs even after 17 years following the licensure of the first prophylactic HPV vaccine.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive literature analysis was conducted using various databases and search engines, to include the most relevant research articles and data available and critically discussed the operational gaps that need to be answered to achieve adequate coverage of HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

The present review highlights the existing HPV vaccination strategies, unmet needs and challenges needed to be addressed for proper implementation framework as well as the collaborations required to achieve decent vaccination coverage. Well-coordinated vaccination strategy with focus on adolescent girls and if possible, boys can lead to dramatic impact on disease reduction around the world.

Age, gender and socioeconomic disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and knowledge among Japanese adults after a 7-year suspension of proactive recommendation for the HPV vaccine: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey

The Japanese government's 2013 suspension of its proactive recommendation for Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination resulted in low HPV vaccination coverage and was unique. However, data on awareness and knowledge of HPV vaccines in the general population was limited. Here, to investigate more recent awareness and knowledge of HPV vaccines by age, gender, and socioeconomic status, we used data from the INFORM Study 2020, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of self-administered questionnaires with 1,998 Japanese individuals aged 20 to 59 years. We found that 47.5% of females and 21.0% of males had heard of HPV, and 33.6% of females and 16.8% of males had knowledge of HPV vaccine efficacy. After adjusting for potential confounders, females aged 50-54 years were more likely to be aware of HPV than females aged 20-24 (AOR, 2.02, 95%CI: 1.12-3.65). Females (AOR, 2.13, 95%CI: 1.48-3.07) and males (AOR, 1.64, 95%CI: 1.03-2.59) with higher education had more awareness than those with less education. Females with higher education had more knowledge about HPV vaccine efficacy than those with less education (AOR, 1.70; 95%CI: 1.16-2.50). We found a generally low level of awareness and knowledge about HPV vaccines in Japan, which might be attributable to the suspension of proactive recommendations. Additionally, we identified disparities in awareness and knowledge by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and health literacy. Enhancing HPV awareness and understanding of HPV vaccines and implementing targeted efforts for specific subpopulations within Japan after the resumption of proactive recommendation for HPV vaccines, are imperative.

HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Hesitancy Among Health Colleges' Students at a Saudi University

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a widespread sexually transmitted infection linked to various types of cancer. Although vaccination against HPV is available, global HPV vaccination rates remain low.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccine and to identify predictors associated with vaccine hesitancy among health college students at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed during December 2022 to students enrolled in health colleges. The survey link was randomly distributed via social media platforms and in-person interactions. The number of participants was 405 including both males and females. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The correct response rate for all knowledge items was calculated, and they were stratified by gender and college. The association of vaccine hesitancy with sociodemographic characteristics was examined using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study found that approximately half of the students (49.9%) were aware of the HPV vaccine. However, only a small percentage of students answered all to all HPV knowledge items correctly. Additionally, only a small proportion (5.2%) reported receiving the vaccine. The overall HPV vaccine hesitancy was 59.1% (43.9% for female and 75.9% for male). The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy was not knowing enough about it. Males were two times more likely than females to believe that they did not need the HPV vaccine. The odds for HPV vaccine hesitancy were greater among males and younger age groups compared to females and older age groups.

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of implementing university-wide interventions and educational campaigns to enhance awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccine.

Evaluation of the Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescents Regarding the HPV Infection, HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer in a Region from the Northwest of Romania

Purpose

In Romania, after reaching the age of 18, teenage girls can make an informed decision about vaccination. The aim of the study was to evaluate both knowledge and attitudes related to HPV infection, HPV vaccination, cervical cancer, as well as intentions, reservations, reasons that could influence the decision related to vaccination.

Patients and Methods

We applied an anonymized questionnaire to 690 teenage girls in the 18-19 age group, recruited from 15 high schools in Bihor County. Based on the answers to the question corresponding to item 14 of subscale 3, 2 groups were identified: the group with a hesitant behavior called the non-vaccine group (GNV) and the group with a positive behavior called the pro-vaccine group (GPV). The statistical analysis was processed by using IBM-SPSS 22.

Results

The analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of the level of knowledge and attitudes related to vaccination, the adolescent girls in the GPV being more aware of the role and importance of HPV vaccination and more open to the idea of vaccination. For the GNV, the behavior can be explained by the fact that even if they have heard about the HPV infection being transmitted through unprotected sex and they think that vaccination in general is necessary to prevent certain diseases, they do not know if HPV vaccination would be effective in protecting them in the future. Adolescents from GPV declare they would accept HPV vaccination if it would be offered to them or they are already vaccinated.

Conclusion

Alongside interventions targeting parents and health-care professionals, it is necessary to improve the level of knowledge of adolescents about HPV infection, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer, by organizing information campaigns in schools, campaigns in which professionals in the field should be involved, but also by implementing education programs addressed to them.

Body mass index and cervical cancer screening among women aged 15-69 years in Eswatini: evidence from a population-based survey

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer stands as one of the most prevalent cancer types among women, despite its preventable nature through early screening and vaccination strategies. The link between being overweight or obese and various adverse health outcomes, including an elevated cancer risk, is well established. Within this study, our central objective was to explore the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates. Moreover, we sought to investigate whether socioeconomic status potentially modulates this relationship.

METHODS

Our analysis encompassed 1791 respondents who participated in the World Health Organization's STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease risk factor surveillance carried out in Eswatini in 2014. We assessed the connection between BMI, along with other determinants, and CCS through both unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The uptake of CCS was 14.4% and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was estimated at 28.1 and 34.9% respectively. After accounting for other pertinent variables, the likelihood of obtaining CCS was amplified for individuals classified as obese (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26-3.12) or overweight (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.05-3.74). Furthermore, factors such as being separated or divorced (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.11-3.72) and engaging in regular physical exercise (aOR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.21-6.02) were associated with increased odds of undergoing CCS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the noteworthy role played by both overweight and obesity, in conjunction with various socioeconomic factors, in shaping CCS patterns among the surveyed women. For Eswatini, targeted interventions aimed at enhancing CCS participation should take into account the multifaceted factors highlighted within this investigation.

Identifying gaps in vaccination perception after mandating the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

The burden of COVID-19 pandemic affected the globe, and it is unclear how it has impacted the general perception of other vaccines. We aimed to investigate the public awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards other complementary vaccines after the mandate of the COVID-19 vaccine.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using a survey distributed via several social media platforms in June 2022. The questionnaire had three main sections; awareness; attitudes; and demographic information. Descriptive analysis was mainly used and supplemented with Chi-square test for correlation. All individuals over the age of 18 were eligible to participate in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 1,045 participants from Saudi Arabia completed the survey. Of the respondents, 55.9% were female, and 95% were Saudi citizens. Public awareness towards vaccines after the mandate of COVID-19 vaccine was the highest with the influenza vaccine (98.2%), followed by human papillomavirus (HPV) (40.7%), tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) (37.2%), and lastly, pneumococcal vaccine (17%). More than 50% of the participants expressed their willingness to receive any of the four vaccines if they knew about the benefits related to these vaccines.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that participants were willing to receive the vaccination if they were aware of the general benefits of vaccinations. Therefore, health education and campaigns toward recommended vaccines for high-risk group are essential and needed.

Assessment of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Primary Care Among Swiss University Students

IMPORTANCE

Human papillomavirus vaccination coverage rates lie below desired thresholds in Switzerland. Because general practitioners are the main contact for the relatively rare health issues of many Swiss young adults, primary care offers an important opportunity to provide catch-up human papillomavirus vaccination.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the knowledge, experiences, and attitudes of Swiss university students in the context of receiving human papillomavirus vaccination during primary care visits.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This self-administered, cross-sectional, web-based survey study was conducted among students of 3 universities and 1 educational institution for health professions in the Swiss Canton of Zurich. Specific questions about human papillomavirus vaccination experience were directed to respondents who had received at least 1 dose administered by a general practitioner. Responses were collected during 12-week intervals between November 11, 2020, and April 7, 2021, and data were analyzed from August 3 to August 30, 2022.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was whether human papillomavirus vaccination had been administered on the patient's or the general practitioner's initiative.

RESULTS

The responses of 5524 participants (median [IQR] age, 23 [21-25] years; 3878 women [70.2%]) were analyzed. The survey completion rate was 90.9% (5524 of 6076 students who consented to participate). A total of 2029 respondents (1792 women [46.2%] and 237 men [14.6%]) reported having received at least 1 human papillomavirus vaccination dose, of whom 740 (36.5%) had received at least 1 dose administered by a general practitioner. Among these, 190 respondents (25.7%) reported that vaccine administration had occurred on their request rather than on their general practitioner's initiative. Among all respondents, 4778 (86.5%) wanted to obtain more information about human papillomavirus vaccination at a general practitioner's office, and 2569 (55.3%) rated acute consultations in general practice as inappropriate for addressing human papillomavirus vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this survey study of Swiss university students suggest that primary care shows a high potential for increasing human papillomavirus vaccination coverage rates in Switzerland. However, there was room for improvement in the proactivity of general practitioners, especially with men, and in the attitudes of students toward the appropriateness of acute consultations in general practice for addressing human papillomavirus vaccination.

Willingness of parents of 9-to-18-year-old females in China to vaccinate their daughters with HPV vaccine

OBJECTIVE

To assess knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine, willingness to have their daughters receive HPV vaccine, and factors associated with knowledge and willingness among parents of females 9 to 18 years of age in China.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents with daughters 9 to 18 years of age in four provinces of China using a self-administered questionnaire. We used multivariable regression analyses to determine factors associated with willingness vaccinate.

RESULTS

We received completed surveys from 5,215 parents. Among respondents, 846 (16.24 %) had a high level of knowledge about HPV (total score ≥ 5). High level of HPV knowledge was associated with having daughters who were <15 years old; having experience paying out-of-pocket for other vaccines; being a mother; having higher educational achievement; being a medical staff member; being in a higher-income category; and residing in an urban area. There were 2,419 (46.39 %) parents who were willing to vaccinate their daughter against HPV and 2,757 (52.87 %) who were willing to receive vaccine themselves (for female respondents) or indicated willingness of their spouse to be vaccinated (for male respondents). Willingness of mothers to be vaccinated was associated with daughters' age being greater than 14 years; having previously purchased self-paid vaccines; having higher educational achievement; being in a higher-income category; having a higher level of knowledge; and residing in an urban area. Parental willingness to vaccinate daughters was associated with daughters' age being greater than 14 years, age of parents younger 40, a history of purchasing self-paid vaccines; higher educational achievement; having a higher level of knowledge; being willing to receive HPV vaccine (themselves or their spouse); and residing in an urban area.

CONCLUSIONS

Level of knowledge and willingness to have daughters vaccinated with HPV vaccine are low among Chinese parents. For universal HPV vaccination of females 9-18 years of age, it is necessary to educate parents about HPV and HPV vaccine, and to reduce the price of HPV vaccine.

Health Care Professionals' Interest in Vaccination Training in Switzerland: A Quantitative Survey

Objectives: Health care professionals (HCPs) play an important role for patients' vaccination decisions. To counsel patients/clients appropriately, HCPs need current factual knowledge about vaccines and strong communication skills. Methods: We conducted an online survey with physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and midwives in Switzerland (01.11.2020-31.03.2021). We evaluated: 1) interest in vaccination knowledge and counseling training; 2) vaccination recommendation practices; 3) experience with vaccination counseling/administration; 4) comfort level in addressing vaccine hesitancy (VH); 5) perspectives on patient/client VH, delays, and refusals. Results: In total, 1,933 practicing HCPs responded (496 physicians, 226 pharmacists, 607 nurses, 604 midwives). 43% physicians, 31% pharmacists, 15% nurses, and 23% midwives felt comfortable counseling VH patients/clients. 96% physicians, 98% pharmacists, 85% nurses, and 91% midwives were interested in additional vaccination-related training. All professionals mentioned safety, efficacy, and side effects as topics of most interest for additional training. Conclusion: Results demonstrate a high interest among HCPs for additional vaccination-related training. In addition to factual information about vaccination, such training will likely benefit from a communication component, given the low rates of comfort reported by HCPs when counseling VH patients/clients.