Predicting knowledge of the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and head and neck cancer (HNC) in a predominantly female university student population

Introduction: HNC has increased by 225% in the last three decades and is becoming more common among individuals between 18 and 41 years; HPV being the driver of this increased incidence.

Objectives: To analyze predictors of knowledge of the association between HPV and HNC; and differentiate how choice of study impacts HPV and HNC knowledge levels among medical, nursing, and business school students aged 19 – 26 years.

Methods: Anonymous online cross-sectional survey.

Results: Of 621 students who completed all questions, 439 were included in the analysis. A majority were female (84.28%), white (84.05%), and born in 1995 (21.42%). Only 38% had a high knowledge of association between HPV and HNC. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed race, choice of study, and reasons for HPV vaccine uptake were significant predictors of knowledge score. After adjusting for the effects of confounding variables, non-White students were 2.25 (95% CI: 1.14 – 4.45) more likely to have low knowledge compared to White students. Students who believed HPV vaccine uptake assured self-and-partner protection were 46.5% (95% CI: 0.32 – 0.89) more likely to have high knowledge compared to those whose main reason for accepting HPV vaccine was because of healthcare provider’s recommendation. In addition, nursing students were more likely, compared to medical students, to have low knowledge (aOR = 7.00, 95% CI: 2.73 – 17.97).

Conclusion: Overall knowledge of the association between HPV and HNC was low in this population. Specifically tailored intervention aimed at preventing HNC should be targeted towards HPV vaccine-eligible university students.