Eligibility and willingness to participate in a catch-up HPV vaccination program among college students attending a large university in the south

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer in women and can prevent genital warts and anal cancer in both men and women. Ideally, vaccination will occur around 11-12 years old, however, catch-up vaccination is recommended for women and men 13-26. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, eligibility, and willingness of first-year students to participate in a catch-up vaccination program.

Methods: We developed and distributed a 38-item anonymous and online questionnaire to college undergraduates attending a large university in the south. The questionnaire assessed demographics, HPV knowledge, and willingness, benefits/concerns of receiving the vaccine at their school. Results: 1804 completed surveys (82% response rate). Many were Caucasian (73%), sexually active (79%), and had already learned about HPV in their class (60%). Just over a quarter (26%) answered all knowledge items correctly. The majority knew that HPV was common (92%) and sexually transmitted (82%), less understood that it causes cancer in men (40%). Knowledge was related to having already learned about HPV in class. Many (67%) reported knowing nothing or little about the vaccine and 68% did not know it could be given to men. The majority had not received the vaccine (70%), but were willing to get it through a school program (78%). Main concern and benefit of school vaccination was that insurance might not cover it (47%) and convenience (89%) (respectively).

Conclusions: Eligibility and willingness to get the vaccine at school was high. Developing a college-wide catch-up vaccination program is warranted.