Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases in France: A Study of Vaccination Coverage and Drivers of Vaccination

Content and quality of consumer websites providing information about human papillomavirus infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: An environmental scan

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the content and quality of websites for consumers providing information about human papillomavirus (HPV) risks in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We conducted an environmental scan of websites for patients and the general public with information about HPV and SLE. We searched Google from inception to June 2023, using the terms "HPV" and "lupus". We included websites with information about HPV and SLE. Two reviewers appraised the websites and collected website characteristics, and rated various attributes: completeness and comprehensiveness, accuracy, technical elements, design and aesthetics, usability, readability, and accessibility.

RESULTS

We identified 16 websites for analysis. Ten (62.5 %) were commercial websites One website provided complete and comprehensive information about HPV risk, screening, and vaccination in patients with SLE; 7 (44 %) websites provided only information about the HPV vaccine. Eight websites included risk of HPV infection, cervical cancer screening, and cervical cancer risk in patients with SLE. Seventy-five percent provided information based on clinical guidelines, textbooks, peer-reviewed papers or scientific publications while the remaining were based on expert opinions. All websites were considered to have adequate design and aesthetics and were easy to navigate. Only 1 (6 %) website had a 6th-grade reading level and the other had reading levels higher than that (not appropriate for consumer websites). The overall quality scores ranged from 32 to 51 (maximum 69).

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that most websites for patients and the general public with information about HPV and SLE did not provide complete and comprehensive information about HPV.

[Human papillomavirus and systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review]

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis and upper respiratory tract. The prevention of HPV-induced cancers is a public health issue. Patients with systemic lupus are at increased risk of persistent HPV infection and cervical cancer due to treatment-induced immunosuppression. HPV vaccination and screening for precancerous lesions are two effective means of preventing cervical cancer. Despite the demonstrated safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, coverage of HPV vaccination in SLE adults remains low. Screening for cervical cancer is only carried out as recommended in one lupus patient in two. Catch-up HPV vaccination, therapeutic vaccination and vaginal self-sampling are innovative prevention strategies adapted to patients at risk of HPV-induced cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Measures to prevent HPV-induced cancers are insufficiently implemented in patients managed for systemic lupus. Healthcare professionals and patients need to be made aware of the importance of HPV preventing vaccination.

HPV Infection and Prevention in Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND/HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a significant public health concern as they cause various cancers, including those of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, in both women and men.

SUMMARY INTEGRATING THE CURRENT PUBLISHED LITERATURE

Individuals with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, have an increased risk of developing persistent HPV infection and subsequent precancerous lesions due to their immunosuppression.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination and screening for precancerous lesions are 2 central management strategies that must be implemented in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Although HPV vaccination has been proven to be safe and effective in these patients, coverage remains low and should be encouraged. Screening for cervical cancer should be more widely implemented in this population, as recommended in guidelines for other immunosuppressed patients.

FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

Catch-up vaccination, vaginal self-sampling screening for HPV detection, and therapeutic vaccination are new options that should be considered.

Vaccine Hesitancy among European Parents-Psychological and Social Factors Influencing the Decision to Vaccinate against HPV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Due to low adherence to HPV vaccination programs, the European region struggles with vaccination rates lower than 30% among the targeted population. The present report investigated various socio-demographic and psychological factors influencing European parents' hesitancy towards vaccinating their children.

METHODS

As of September 2023, four databases were searched. After applying inclusion criteria, all articles comparing psychological and socio-demographic factors in parents who vaccinate or do not vaccinate their children were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-five primary publications met the criteria, totaling 385,460 responders, of which 311,803 want to or have already vaccinated their child, and 73,555 do not wish to do so. Immigrant and employment status, religion, age of parents and the child's gender seemed to influence their decision to vaccinate their child. Previous experience with vaccines, perceived safety and efficacy and the mother's previous abnormal CCS results also impacted their decision. The caregivers' education, gender, civil status, number of children, family history of neoplasia or mother's CCS attendance did not influence their hesitancy to vaccine.

CONCLUSION

Multiple demographic, social, economic and psychological barriers involved in the parents' hesitancy to vaccinate their children against the HPV virus were highlighted. Specific at-risk categories that need to be targeted with information, education and vaccination campaigns were identified.