Molly Allison1, Brynne Musser1, Catherine Satterwhite1, Kevin Ault1, Patricia Kelly1, Megha Ramaswamy1. 1. Molly Allison, Brynne Musser, Catherine Satterwhite, and Megha Ramaswamy are with the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City. Kevin Ault is with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center. Patricia Kelly is with the School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and vaccine awareness, intention, and uptake among adult inmates in Kansas jails. METHODS: We administered a survey with questions adapted from the US National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey to 571 adult inmates in 3 Kansas jails from October 10 to 12, 2016, and January 25 to 27, 2017, to assess HPV knowledge and vaccine awareness, intention, and uptake. RESULTS: Although most adults across demographic groups recognized HPV as causing cervical cancer, knowledge was lower about other HPV-related cancers. Vaccine awareness was higher for women (70%) than men (41%). Only 8% of age-eligible men reported ever receiving the vaccine. Most adults across demographic groups reported "definitely" wanting to get the vaccine if offered in jail at no cost. CONCLUSIONS: Low uptake of HPV vaccine and high interest in receiving the vaccine in jails may indicate that vaccination availability for jail populations needs to be reexamined. Public Health Implications. Expanding HPV vaccine programs or partnerships to facilitate vaccine provision in jails could increase inmates' knowledge of and intention to receive vital health services.
OBJECTIVES: To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and vaccine awareness, intention, and uptake among adult inmates in Kansas jails. METHODS: We administered a survey with questions adapted from the US National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey to 571 adult inmates in 3 Kansas jails from October 10 to 12, 2016, and January 25 to 27, 2017, to assess HPV knowledge and vaccine awareness, intention, and uptake. RESULTS: Although most adults across demographic groups recognized HPV as causing cervical cancer, knowledge was lower about other HPV-related cancers. Vaccine awareness was higher for women (70%) than men (41%). Only 8% of age-eligible men reported ever receiving the vaccine. Most adults across demographic groups reported "definitely" wanting to get the vaccine if offered in jail at no cost. CONCLUSIONS: Low uptake of HPV vaccine and high interest in receiving the vaccine in jails may indicate that vaccination availability for jail populations needs to be reexamined. Public Health Implications. Expanding HPV vaccine programs or partnerships to facilitate vaccine provision in jails could increase inmates' knowledge of and intention to receive vital health services.
Authors: Megha Ramaswamy; Catherine L Satterwhite; Ashlyn Lipnicky; Amanda Emerson; Phil Griffin; Donald Ash; Kevin Ault Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2021-06 Impact factor: 11.561