Newcomer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination

Stakeholders' perspectives on barriers to and facilitators of school-based HPV vaccination in the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related disruption: a qualitative mixed methods study

Despite successfully implementing the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPVV) program, Saskatchewan (SK) struggled to improve HPVV uptake rates. This suboptimal uptake of HPVV with a status quo of HPV-linked cervical cancer incidence rate is mainly because HPVV's impact on cancer prevention has not been realized adequately by vaccine providers and receivers. Further exploration of determinants of HPVV uptake is required to uncover high-resolution quality improvement targets for investment and situate contextually appropriate policies to improve its uptake. The study undertook a qualitative inquiry into understanding stakeholders' perspectives on HPVV experience through school-based programmes. It collected data through semi-structured initial interviews (N = 16) and follow-up interviews (N = 10) from across Saskatchewan's four Integrated Service Areas. Document analysis was conducted on all publicly available documents that included information on HPVV from January 2015 to July 2023. Thematic analysis of the data identified that inadequate information, awareness and education about HPV infection and HPVV among several groups, especially, parents, youth and school staff, was the main barrier to optimal HPVV uptake. Vaccine-related logistics, including the technical and text-heavy vaccine information sheet, understaffing, and time constraints, were other important factors that impeded HPVV uptake. A person-centred approach could educate parents in multiple dimensions.

Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes on sexually transmitted infections prevention at training institution in Namibia

Background

Insufficient knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among nursing students can impact patient care and outcomes. To address this, comprehensive STI education is crucial.

Aim

This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes of nursing students regarding STI prevention and control.

Setting

The research was conducted at a nursing training institution in Windhoek, Namibia.

Methods

The research employed a cross-sectional design with 73 participants.

Results

Outcomes revealed that 63.0% had satisfactory knowledge and 79.5% exhibited positive attitudes. A significant association was noted between knowledge and participants' sex. Male participants displayed poor knowledge (70%). No significant relationship existed between demographic characteristics and attitudes.

Conclusion

The study concluded lower than expected knowledge regarding STIs among nursing students that implicated patients' care.

Contribution

Integrating STI education into nursing curricula can improve students' competences that enhance patients' care.

Prevalence of high and low risk HPV genotypes among vaccinated and non-vaccinated people in Tehran

BACKGROUND

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) that is estimated almost all sexually active Patients at some stage of their life will be infected by the virus. Although most HPV infections resolve spontaneously, some can result in health complications, such as genital warts and several types of cancer. This study analyzed the variety of HPV genotypes in females and males among the infected population.

METHODS

Samples were obtained from the oral, vaginal, and genital sites of study participants and the samples underwent DNA extraction and subsequently amplified using Real-Time PCR. The recognition of high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) HPV genotypes was carried out using the HPV REALQUALITY RQ-Multi diagnostic kit and demographic information was analyzed alongside statistical virological data.

RESULTS

Out of 936 samples, 324 cases (34.6%) were found to be positive for HPV, while 612 cases (65.4%) were negative. Of our participants, 70 samples of males (27.5%) and 254 samples of females (37.3%) were HPV-positive. Common genotypes included 16, 6, 11, and 18, while genotypes 59, 56, 31, 45, and 52 were also detected.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings of this study, a significant prevalence of HPV infection was seen in males and females, and the incidence of high-risk genotypes was more diverse in males. While the vaccine was effective in preventing some types of HPV, such as 16, 18, 6, and 11, there seems to be an increase in infections caused by other genotypes, and precautions should be taken to prevent future health problems.

Low human papillomavirus vaccine uptake among women engaged in HIV care in Ontario, Canada

Women living with HIV are at higher risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related dysplasia and cancers and thus are prioritized for HPV vaccination. We measured HPV vaccine uptake among women engaged in HIV care in Ontario, Canada, and identified socio-demographic, behavioural, and clinical characteristics associated with HPV vaccination. During annual interviews from 2017 to 2020, women participating in a multi-site, clinical HIV cohort responded to a cross-sectional survey on HPV vaccine knowledge and receipt. We used logistic regression to derive age-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with self-reported vaccine initiation (≥1 dose) or series completion (3 doses). Among 591 women (median age = 48 years; interquartile range = 40-56 years), 13.2% (95%CI = 10.5-15.9%) had received ≥1 dose. Of those vaccinated, 64.6% had received 3 doses. Vaccine initiation (≥1 dose) was significantly higher among women aged 20-29 years at 31.0% but fell to 13.9% in those aged 30-49 years and < 10% in those aged ≥50 years. After age adjustment, vaccine initiation was significantly associated with being employed (vs. unemployed but seeking work), income $40,000-$59,999 (vs. <$20,000), being married/common-law (vs. single), living with children, immigrating to Canada >5 years ago (vs. immigrating ≤5 years ago), never smoking (vs. currently smoking), and being in HIV care longer (per 10 years). Similar factors were identified for series completion (3 doses). HPV vaccine uptake remains low among women living with HIV in our cohort despite regular engagement in care. Recommendations for improving uptake include education of healthcare providers, targeted community outreach, and public funding of HPV vaccination.