Stephanie Ahken1, Nathalie Fleming2, Tania Dumont3, Amanda Black3. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa ON; Division of Gynecology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa ON. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa ON; Division of Gynecology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine levels of HPV awareness and knowledge in higher-risk young women and their attitudes toward HPV vaccination and catch-up programs. METHODS: An anonymous, cross-sectional, Internet-based, self-reported questionnaire was completed by women ages 13 to 25 attending two outreach clinics. Primary outcomes were HPV infection/vaccine awareness, vaccination rates, and catch-up program acceptability. Chi-square, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 105 respondents (mean age 19.32), 66.7% received social assistance and 54.3% relied on walk-in clinics. Overall HPV awareness was 81.0% and vaccine awareness was 76.2%. HPV awareness was significantly higher in women < 20 years old (P = 0.032) and with past sexually transmitted infection (STI) history (P = 0.039) but didn't differ by education level. Vaccine awareness differed significantly with STI history (P = 0.031) but not by age or education level. Awareness of HPV's association with genital warts and cervical cancer was low (30.0%, 41.9%) and didn't differ by education level or sexually transmitted infection history. Thirty percent had been vaccinated (of those, 42% had received 3 doses), mainly in school-based programs (71%). Odds of vaccination were significantly higher in those with a family doctor (OR 8.08). Reasons for not being vaccinated included: "Did not know about it"(28.5%) and "Don't know" (28.5%). Catch-up program acceptability was high (92.8%, 95.2% if free) and did not differ significantly by age or education level. CONCLUSION: Higher-risk young women may have high levels of HPV infection/vaccine awareness but lack knowledge of HPV consequences. Those who missed or did not complete HPV vaccination opportunities would support free catch-up vaccination programs in accessible, youth-friendly centres.
OBJECTIVE: To determine levels of HPV awareness and knowledge in higher-risk young women and their attitudes toward HPV vaccination and catch-up programs. METHODS: An anonymous, cross-sectional, Internet-based, self-reported questionnaire was completed by women ages 13 to 25 attending two outreach clinics. Primary outcomes were HPV infection/vaccine awareness, vaccination rates, and catch-up program acceptability. Chi-square, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 105 respondents (mean age 19.32), 66.7% received social assistance and 54.3% relied on walk-in clinics. Overall HPV awareness was 81.0% and vaccine awareness was 76.2%. HPV awareness was significantly higher in women < 20 years old (P = 0.032) and with past sexually transmitted infection (STI) history (P = 0.039) but didn't differ by education level. Vaccine awareness differed significantly with STI history (P = 0.031) but not by age or education level. Awareness of HPV's association with genital warts and cervical cancer was low (30.0%, 41.9%) and didn't differ by education level or sexually transmitted infection history. Thirty percent had been vaccinated (of those, 42% had received 3 doses), mainly in school-based programs (71%). Odds of vaccination were significantly higher in those with a family doctor (OR 8.08). Reasons for not being vaccinated included: "Did not know about it"(28.5%) and "Don't know" (28.5%). Catch-up program acceptability was high (92.8%, 95.2% if free) and did not differ significantly by age or education level. CONCLUSION: Higher-risk young women may have high levels of HPV infection/vaccine awareness but lack knowledge of HPV consequences. Those who missed or did not complete HPV vaccination opportunities would support free catch-up vaccination programs in accessible, youth-friendly centres.
Entities:
Keywords:
HPV vaccines; adolescent; awareness; community outreach centres; high risk; human papillomavirus; vaccination uptake; youth
Authors: Muhammad Amith; Anna Zhu; Rachel Cunningham; Rebecca Lin; Lara Savas; Laura Shay; Yong Chen; Yang Gong; Julie Boom; Kirk Roberts; Cui Tao Journal: Stud Health Technol Inform Date: 2019