HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Beliefs Among a Sample of Florida Adults: Awareness of the Vaccine and HPV Risk Perception

BACKGROUND:

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines prevent HPV and are recommended for girls/boys, ages 9-26.  National vaccination rates remain relatively low, despite the vaccine’s potential to reduce HPV incidence and the prevalence of HPV-associated cancers. In this study, we examined levels of HPV awareness and knowledge to understand barriers and facilitators in knowledge to increase vaccination rates, and reasons associated with low HPV vaccine coverage among adults in Florida.

METHODS:

Data were collected using a cross-sectional population-level telephone survey of adults in Florida in the fall of 2013.  All data were entered into REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) software (Harris et al., 2009). The sampling frame was a vendor generated listed sample (Genesys, Inc.). Next,  a simple random sample was conducted to yield a sample list of 729 telephone numbers, where a random sample of 134 adults was used for this study. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years and being the eldest female residing in the household or youngest male. Verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants.  Logistic regression analyses were done to understand determinants of HPV vaccination. Variables included sexual activity, HPV knowledge, risk perceptions, and demographic items.

 

RESULTS:

The majority of participants reported sexual activity in the past year (81%). Most participants heard of HPV (78%), with 90% being aware HPV was a STI.  Participants perceived themselves at low risk for contracting HPV (54%) and women and men acknowledged both were at risk for contracting the virus (68%). However, the majority of the sample also believed they had a below average chance of getting HPV (52%), with only 14% of participants intending to get the HPV vaccine (p < 0.05).  Among those not planning to receive the vaccine (49%), reasons included no need for the vaccine/not sexually active (34%), too old/doctor did not recommend (40%), and other (26%). Adjusted odds ratios showed  a lower likelihood for higher HPV knowledge in older age groups and those with less than a college education, controlling for other covariates (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

Participants were aware of HPV and the vaccine; yet, they were less likely to be vaccinated or think they needed to be. The adjusted odds ratios showed older adults were less likely to be knowledgeable about HPV than adults in their 30’s and individuals with a high school degree or less were less likely to be knowledgeable about HPV relative to individuals who gradated from college.

CONCLUSION:

The data show many Floridians aware of HPV and the vaccine. However, few adults believed they should be vaccinated. Public health messages should target adult beliefs and behaviors to increase awareness of their risk factors.