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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Claudia Hopenhayn, MPH, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 100, Lexington, KY 40504, 859-219-0773, ext. 307, cmhope0@uky.edu, Nancy Schoenberg, PhD, Dept. of Behavioral Sciences,University of Kentucky, 125 College of Medicine Office Bldg, Lexington, KY 40536, and Richard A. Crosby, PhD, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 121 Washington Ave, Suite 111, Lexington, KY 40506.

Objectives: With the recent FDA approval of a vaccine to prevent human papilloma virus (HPV) infections associated with cervical cancer risk, evaluation of its acceptability among different population subgroups which would benefit from vaccination is warranted. This study assessed factors associated with acceptability of such a vaccine among college women.

Methods: A convenience sample of 399 female students aged 18-25 was recruited from three southern U.S. colleges. Participants completed a written survey regarding sexual behavior, history of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), attitudes and perceived barriers to receiving an HPV vaccine (when one becomes available), and related topics. This analysis focused on factors associated with vaccine acceptance.

Results: Among respondents, 71% reported having had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months, 84% had heard of HPV and 71% had ever had a Pap. Less than half (45.1%) indicated they would be likely to receive an HPV vaccine. In multivariable analysis, the following were significant predictors of vaccine acceptance: sexual intercourse in the past 12 months (OR=3.92, 95% C.I. 2.33-6.62); history of STD (OR=2.55, 1.08-5.99) and history of an abnormal Pap (OR=2.18, 1.06-4.51).

Conclusions: Findings from this exploratory study of female college students suggest that the prospect of receiving an HPV vaccine is not widely accepted, and is more acceptable among those that are sexually active, and among those with a history of abnormal Pap or STD, all factors related to risk of HPV infection. Given the preventive nature of the approved vaccine, it is important to foster greater acceptance among young women before they are exposed to HPV.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Recognize different modalities for administration of surveys among college students.
• Identify some key personal factors of female college students associated with their perceived acceptability of an HPV vaccine.

Keywords: Prevention, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation