HPV vaccine status in an ethnically and racially diverse group of female U.S. college students: Unvaccinated, initiated and completed

Background: Two FDA-approved vaccines are available that protect against some types of HPV, the virus responsible for cervical cancer. Vaccination rates are sub-optimal among U.S. women in the “catch-up” ages of 18-26, a public health concern because women of college-age and of minority status are at increased risk for HPV infection.

Purpose: To examine HPV vaccination status and disparities among minority college women.

Methods: A 20-item web-based survey was completed by 711 minority females attending a large southeastern public university. Descriptive frequencies were conducted using SAS.

Results: Five groups self-identified as Hispanic (n=329), Black (n=189), Asian (n=85), White (n=32) and “Other” 9n=76). Most women reported being unmarried/single (73%), having some college credit (63%), having health insurance (76%), and a health care provider (63%). Significant differences in vaccination status were found among racial/ethnic groups (p<0.05). Among women who had initiated vaccination, rates were highest among Hispanic (13%), Black (12%), White and Other (9%, respectively) and Asian (5%). Highest rates among women who reported completing vaccination were Asian (33%), White (31%), Hispanic (30%), “Other” (21%), and Black (19%). Among women reporting being unvaccinated, rates were highest among “Other” (70%) and Black women (69%), followed by Asian (62%), White (59%) and Hispanic (57%).

Conclusion: Vaccine rates were low among all groups, but significantly higher rates of being unvaccinated were found among Black, Asian and “Other” women compared to other groups. Future research should explore factors contributing to HPV vaccine disparities among college women to decrease HPV infection and potential for subsequent disease.