HPV/HPV vaccine understanding of incoming college freshman and implications for male students

Purpose: To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and vaccine uptake in incoming first-year university students.

Methods: Customized survey items were added to an online, pre-matriculation health education program administered in the summer of 2009 to incoming students at a Midwestern University. Questions assessed knowledge of HPV prevalence, transmission, consequences, and vaccination, as well as interest in learning more about HPV/HPV vaccination. Eligible participants included incoming first-year students ≥18 years; transfer students were excluded. Analysis was restricted to those who had heard of HPV prior to the survey. Descriptive statistics were generated, and differences by gender were examined.

Results: Seventy-three percent of the 1,257 program participants answered the HPV questions, representing 68% of incoming freshman. Respondents were 50.8% female and predominantly White/Non-Hispanic (70.5%). Non-responders were more likely to be male and identify as Asian/Pacific Islander (p < 0.001). Although most had heard of HPV, only 60% knew it causes genital warts; significantly less male students were aware that HPV is common and causes warts. One-third of males wanted information about HPV vaccination to make a vaccination decision while in college. A larger percentage of non-White students indicated intent to vaccinate during college or desire for information before making decisions.

Recommendations: First-year students, particularly males, may have substantial gaps in HPV knowledge but strong desire for information about the virus and vaccination options. University Student Health Services should make concerted efforts to tailor educational material to the male population and consider male interest when disseminating information about HPV and HPV vaccination.