Receipt of the human papillomavirus vaccine among female college students in the US, 2009

Background: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and has emerged as a major public health issue due to its potentially severe sequelae, including cervical cancer. To date, two vaccines have been approved for use in girls and women aged 9 through 26 years. However, the extent to which certain populations of young women, particularly female college students, have received the vaccine is not known.

Objective: To determine receipt of the HPV vaccine among female college students in the U.S.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of Spring 2009 National College Health Assessment-II data. Female students of traditional college age (18-24 years) attending four-year institutions in the U.S. were included in the sample (n= 40,610). We conducted multivariate logistic regression to examine associations between receipt of the HPV vaccine and demographic characteristics and behaviors of female college students.

Results: Less than half (45.0%) of the respondents had received the vaccine. Differences in receipt of the vaccine were reported based on students' age, race, international status, relationship status, sexual orientation, region where they attended college, type of health insurance they had, receipt of a routine gynecological exam (past year), ever being tested for HIV, sorority membership, and participation in varsity and club/intramural sports.

Discussion: To allow for appropriate intervention, additional research should investigate why certain sub-groups of female college students have not obtained the HPV vaccine. Efforts should be made to link college women without health insurance to no-cost or low-cost HPV vaccine.