Healthcare Provider Recommendations and Observed Changes in HPV Vaccination Acceptance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Human papillomavirus vaccination status among university students in Southern Thailand: A cross-sectional study

Objective

Human papillomavirus (HPV) commonly causes transmissible diseases worldwide; however, HPV vaccines are not available among some at-risk populations. Since 2017, HPV vaccination has been recommended for females aged 11-12 years in Thailand. However, studies on the coverage and HPV vaccination prevalence are limited. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with HPV vaccination among Thai university students.

Methods

Data for this cross-sectional study were randomly collected using paper-based questionnaires from university students aged 18-26 years during October 17-27, 2023.

Results

Of 1,093 participants, 57.6 % were female, and 53.5 % were from non-urban areas. The median age was 20 years. One-third of the participants were from low-income families. The overall HPV vaccine coverage rates were 7.51 % and 0.87 % in female and male students, respectively. Female sex, being from a high-income family, studying in health science faculties, originating from an urban area, having one or both parents completing university educations, and having healthcare providers as family members increased the odds of receiving the HPV vaccine. The accuracy of HPV vaccine literacy among participants who reported that they "know about the HPV vaccine" was adequate, except for the fact that HPV vaccine was sex-neutral.

Conclusions

The HPV vaccine coverage rate among Thai university students was low owing to several factors. HPV and HPV vaccine education should be provided to populations that can still benefit from receiving the HPV vaccine.

Stakeholders' Perceptions on the Implementation of the HPV Vaccine School-Entry Requirement in Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study explored the implementation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine school-entry requirement in Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and community-based organizations from August 2021 to March 2022. The interview guide was developed using the 2009 Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The interviews were recorded and transcribed in Spanish. Data were analyzed using applied thematic techniques. These themes included the following: (i) Intervention characteristics: Participants noted that the school-entry requirement was effective in increasing vaccination uptake prior to the pandemic. Issues with the immunization registry were noted; (ii) Outer setting: External influences, access barriers, and an increase in HPV vaccine exemptions since the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine were discussed; (iii) Inner setting: Communication within organizations and HPV vaccination efforts improved as the pandemic progressed; (iv) Characteristics of individuals: Most agreed with the school-entry requirement, including exemptions; and (v) Process: Results showed the need to reinforce the population's education about HPV and the vaccine. Implementation of the policy was challenging during the early stages of the pandemic due to measures enacted to stop the spread of COVID-19 and focus on the COVID-19 vaccine. Efforts to increase HPV vaccine should focus on increasing HPV vaccine education and creating collaborations.

Barriers and Facilitators of Romanian HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination

BACKGROUND

Many countries had initial success with HPV vaccination campaigns worldwide. The HPV vaccine coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic dropped consistently. The aim of our research is to assess the barriers and facilitators of the current Romanian HPV vaccination campaign.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in the Romanian general population; a self-administered questionnaire was used.

RESULTS

1122 responders were interviewed; 666 (59.36%) were parents, and 67 (5.97%) HPV vaccinated themselves. A multinominal logistic regression carried out in the parents' category showed that women with university studies and informed from medical sources have greater chances to HPV vaccinate. Reticence regarding vaccination comes from the high cost of the vaccine and a lack of information. Only 118 (10.51%) vaccinated against HPV. From the logistic regression analysis, gender (ORa 0.461 = 95% CI: (0.196; 1.083)), geographic area of residence (ORa = 0.517; 95% CI: (0.331; 0.807)), and the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the National Vaccination Program (ORa = 2.4; 95% CI: (1.361; 4.235)) were the factors found most associated with HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

In the general population, the inclusion of HPV vaccination in the National Vaccination Program would be the most important facilitator of HPV vaccination in Romania. In parents that did not vaccinate their children, one important barrier to HPV vaccination was the high cost of the HPV vaccine and the lack of proper information. The acceptability of HPV vaccination in Romania is low; therefore, public health educational programs are needed.