268685 Correlates of HPV VACCINE acceptance among COLLEGE STUDENTS

Monday, October 29, 2012

Brandyn Powers , Pre-Med, Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Lindsay Jablonski, MD , School of Medicne, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection and leading cause of cervical cancer. Fortunately, HPV vaccines are now readily available in the United States. Yet, 40 to 60% American adolescents still do not get the HPV vaccine.

Objectives: We examined predictors and deterrents of HPV vaccine acceptance among full time students attending two Pennsylvania colleges.

Methods: A web-based survey was sent to a random sample of 500 students attending 2 colleges. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine social, demographic and behavioral determinants of HPV vaccine acceptance. Reasons for vaccine rejection and acceptance were also examined.

Results: Students who believed they were at risk for contracting HPV were over four times more likely to be willing to receive the vaccine than students who did not believe they were at risk [OR: 4.2; CI: 2.113, 8.359; p=0.000]. Students who had previously been diagnosed with an STI were almost seven times as likely to perceive they were at risk for contracting HPV [OR: 6.86; CI: 1.85, 25.52; p=0.009]. Male students were less willing to receive the preventative HPV immunization than their female counterparts [OR: 0.355; CI: 0.155, 0.812; p=0.007]. Students who were aware of the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer were nearly twice as likely to report willingness to receive the vaccine [OR: 1.93; CI: 0.987, 3.754; p=0.044].

Conclusions: College students remain vulnerable to HV infection. HPV vaccination campaigns should highlight address low risk perceptions among students and reiterate that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related education
Public health or related nursing
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Examine trends in behaviors and attitudes towards HPV vaccines among college students 2. Discuss potential mechanisms for improving vaccine uptake

Keywords: Immunizations, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: involved in 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.

Back to: 3293.0: PRSH Posters: STIs and HIV