HPV vaccination and Pap testing on college campuses: How do Historically Black Colleges and Universities measure-up?

background: Cervical cancer (CC) incidence and mortality rates are increased among African American women. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) support a large concentration of minority students who are at risk of CC yet little is known about the availability of CC prevention services to students.

methods: We analyzed data from a sample of colleges and universities identified using the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool (n=136). Identified HBCUs were matched with a randomly selected four year non-HBCU within the same state. We collected data on health services and institutional characteristics via the institutions’ websites, the College Navigator Tool, and by telephone interviews with health centers. We examined whether institutions provided HPV vaccine or Pap tests and identified correlates of each using logistic regression. 

results: HBCUs were less likely than non- HBCUs to offer the HPV vaccine (18% vs. 56%; OR=0.21) or Pap tests (50% vs. 77%; OR=0.40)(all p<.05). Institutions offering the services were more likely to be in a non-rural setting (HPV vaccine, OR=6.57; Pap test, OR=3.41), have higher student enrollment (HPV vaccine, OR=1.14; Pap test, OR=1.17), offer student health insurance (HPV vaccine, OR=5.02), or have no religious affiliation (Pap test, OR=0.31)( all p<.05).Institutions offering HPV vaccine were also more likely to offer Pap tests to students (OR=18.12).

conclusion: Many colleges and universities, especially HBCUs, are not offering HPV vaccine or Pap tests to students. Greater effort should be employed to increase the availability of CC prevention services.