268300 HPV vaccination among male college students: An opportunity for prevention

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 8:50 AM - 9:10 AM

Heather M. Brandt, PhD, CHES , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Julia Elkind, MPH , Department of Global & Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Lisa Lindley, DrPH, MPH, CHES , Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Dawnyea Jackson, PhD candidate , Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Amy Mattison-Faye, MPH, CHES , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Suzanne Landi , Department of Global & Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Purpose: The purpose was to determine receipt of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among male college students by selected sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics. Methods: A secondary data analysis of spring 2009 National College Health Assessment-II was conducted with 21,621 male college students (aged 18-24) attending four-year colleges in the United States. HPV vaccination data were examined by age, race/ethnicity, international student status, sexual orientation, relationship status, college region, participation in other prevention activities, and participation in college activities. Results: The sample was predominantly white (76.4%), heterosexual (92.2%), single (57.5%), had parent/guardian health insurance (76.6%), and 14.5% had received the HPV vaccine. Statistically significant relationships were observed with selected results reported. Younger males (aged 18-20) had 48% greater odds of receiving the HPV vaccine as compared to older males (aged 21-24). Blacks reported higher uptake (23.2%) and had 24% greater odds of having received the vaccine as compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Those reporting testicular self-exam and HIV testing had greater odds (20%, 51% respectively) as compared to those who had not. Involvement in varsity or club/intramural sports showed greater odds (43%, 15% respectively) of receiving the HPV vaccine as those not involved in organized sports. Conclusions: Males experience significant HPV-mediated disease burden and can be carriers transmitting genital HPV infection to sexual partners (both male and female). In October 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal HPV vaccination for males. Based on these 2009 data, college-aged males are an important target for HPV vaccination.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the relevance of HPV vaccination for males. 2. Describe characteristics of male college students who received HPV vaccines prior to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention universal recommendation and prior to U.S. FDA licensure of an HPV vaccine for males. 3. Identify opportunities for future public health intervention to target males to increase initiation and completion of the HPV vaccine series.

Keywords: College Students, STD Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I worked with my co-authors on this research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.