314486
HPV and HPV Vaccination: Recognizing and Identifying Opportunities to Develop Materials for College Students
CoA Poster Session
142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans
November 15-19, 2014
Due May 30, 2014
Online submission: https://apha.confex.com/apha/142am/coa.htm
Title: HPV and HPV Vaccination: Recognizing and Identifying Opportunities to Develop Materials for College Students
Authors: Corriero R1,2, Brandt HM1,2, Bynum SA3, Bellinger JD4,5
1University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Cancer Prevention and Control Program
2University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
3Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School Of Medicine Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
4University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Services Policy and Management
5University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
ABSTRACT
Background:Promoting human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake among college students is essential to curtail the subsequent burden of HPV-associated diseases, such as genital warts and cervical cancer. College students are ideal to target in HPV vaccination research given the high incidence of HPV in this population.
Purpose:To explore current HPV and HPV vaccination efforts on the University of South Carolina’s (USC) campus and identify opportunities to develop health communication materials.
Methods:Using information from 21 in-depth interviews conducted in fall 2013, opportunities for materials development for college students on campus were identified. A systematic review of current materials online and at other college campuses was conducted to inform the development of sample messages and materials for students at USC. The SAM (Suitability Assessment of Materials) tool was used to review characteristics of existing materials and messages, including assessing reading grade level. Sample messages and materials were created.
Results:Participants’ in the in-depth interviews expressed ideas to improve HPV vaccination messaging/uptake on campus, including building on existing efforts, developing appropriate messages, defining communication channels, and finding potential educators or sources of HPV/HPV vaccination information. Only one material reviewed received a superior score. However, eight materials were classified as adequate. InDesign by Adobe was used to create two sample messages and materials as a result of interview findings and review of existing materials.
Conclusion: The college campus is an ideal place to address low levels of HPV vaccination awareness, knowledge, and uptake. Widespread use and dissemination of HPV vaccination materials may increase awareness, knowledge, and participation in HPV vaccination if targeted to college students. Review of existing materials provided insight on the absence of suitable materials for college students.
Learning Areas:
Communication and informaticsImplementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Assess the status of HPV vaccination among students and the perceptions of HPV vaccination among key leaders on the University of South Carolina - Columbia (USC) campus to inform future interventions. Develop and pilot test educational approaches to increase HPV vaccination among college students.
Keyword(s): STDs/STI, College Students
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have lead and assisted in studied aimed at understanding barriers to HPV vaccination among college students. Additionally, I have several publications in the area of HPV.
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.