Knowledge, attitudes, and communication around human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination amongst urban Asian mothers and physicians

Public School Adolescents Had Increased Odds of Being Willing to Uptake HPV Vaccinations Owing to Sociodemographic and Healthcare Access Features in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent and fatal malignancies in women worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is an effective method in reducing cervical cancer, its uptake varies between public and private school adolescents and remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Empirical evidence on how much variation there is among public and private school adolescent in their willingness to uptake human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is also limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare levels of willingness to uptake HPV vaccination among public and private school female adolescents and associated factors in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 844 adolescents aged 10 to 19 in primary schools in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling was used. A self-administered, structured, and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. The determinants of willingness to accept HPV vaccination were identified using logistic regression, and exploratory factor analyses were performed to determine load and mean. The level of statistical significance was determined using a P - value of 0.05.

Results

The overall proportion of willing to uptake HPV vaccination was 50.6% (95% CI: 47.4-54), whereas in public and private primary schools, the magnitude was 61% (95% CI: 56.3-65.4%) and 40.2% (95% CI: 35.6-44.9), respectively. In terms of willingness to uptake HPV vaccination, the odds were likely to be significantly higher among those whose mothers had a postsecondary education (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.29-3.05), a high cue to action (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.20-3.05), and high self-efficacy (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.58-3.48). High perceived barriers likely decreased the willingness to uptake HPV vaccination (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34-0.70).

Conclusion

Adolescent girls in public primary schools were more likely to uptake HPV vaccination than those in private provided that income status and socioeconomic factors became less important. Willingness to uptake HPV vaccination was found to be low as compared to the WHO target for Ethiopian context and was influenced by maternal education status, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. As a result, greater emphasis should be placed on implementing a school-based and maternal educational program on cervical cancer prevention and control focusing on the behavioral contexts.

Risk of primary Sjogren's Syndrome following human papillomavirus infections: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Introduction

Viral infection is an exogeneous factor for primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). This study investigated the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and pSS through a nationwide population based cohort study.

Methods

Patients with HPV infections between January, 1999 and December, 2013 were included. The incidence of new-onset pSS in patients with HPV infections and non-HPV controls were derived. The multiple Cox regression model derived the risk of pSS in patients with HPV infections. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to validate the association.

Results

During a follow-up period of 12 years, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of pSS in patients with HPV infections was significantly higher than that in non-HPV controls (aHR=1.64, 95% CI=1.47-1.83, P<0.001). The risk of pSS increased with age and the risk increased by 2.64-fold (95% CI= 2.37-2.93) for those older than 45 years. The significant association between HPV infections and the risk of pSS persisted in the sensitivity analysis restricted in HPV infections that lasted over 12 months (aHR=1.63, 95%CI=1.45-1.83, P<0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed that both male (aHR=1.83, 95%CI=1.47-2.28, P<0.0001) and female (aHR=1.58, 95%CI=1.40-1.79, P<0.0001) patients with HPV infections and HPV-infected patients aged between 16 and 45 years (aHR=1.60, 95%CI=1.34-1.91, P<0.0001) and over 45 years (aHR=1.67, 95%CI=1.46-1.91, P<0.0001) were associated with a significantly greater risk of pSS.

Conclusion

Patients with HPV infections presented with a significantly higher risk of pSS, regardless of age and sex.

The role of nurses as human papillomavirus vaccination advocates in China: perception from nursing students

This study aimed to investigate nursing students' perspectives regarding the role of nurses as HPV vaccine advocates and their perception of barriers to advocacy. A cross-sectional study using a Web-based survey was sent out to all undergraduate nursing students enrolled at the Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China. A total of 1,041 students responded to the survey. In total, 58.0% of students expressed an intent to advocate HPV vaccines as a counselor and 56.4% as an HPV information provider in their future practice. However, 33.4% stated that they do not intend to be HPV vaccine advocates. Grade 1 students, students from homes with higher annual household incomes and those with a higher level of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination expressed higher intentions to advocate for HPV vaccines as a counselor. Students who have a higher level of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination and have received HPV vaccines reported a higher advocacy intent in the provision of HPV information. The main perceived barriers in HPV vaccine advocacy include inadequate training (87.1%) and insufficient HPV-related knowledge (84.8%); also, anxious patients may not feel comfortable with nurses discussing HPV vaccination (52.8%). Nurses are uniquely positioned to nurture patient HPV vaccine acceptance and maybe the key strategy to increase HPV vaccination coverage in China. Institutional support is needed to train nurses as HPV vaccine advocates and should focus on enhancing HPV-related knowledge while destigmatising the embarrassment around discussing HPV-related issues with patients.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding human papillomavirus and its’ vaccination among the young medical professionals and students of Bangladesh

Purpose

Sexually transmitted infections are a major worldwide concern, and human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the significant risk factors. Many populations suffer from various diseases caused by HPV, and the overall death toll due to cervical carcinoma is remarkable. Despite vaccine availability, perception about vaccine safety and efficacy, its’ preventive outcome is still inferior among the health professionals and vaccine providers. So, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice level of HPV and its’ vaccination among doctors, dentists, and medical students.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional survey was carried out between April to August 2021, where 626 participants from all types of medical institutions of Bangladesh were interviewed using a validated and structured questionnaire that consists of four extensive areas; socio-demographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding vaccination.

Results

The knowledge and practice standards showed very poor outcomes where 43.29% of the participants showed good knowledge and only 11.82% conveyed good practices. Nevertheless, the attitude towards HPV vaccination was revealed high (75.88%). Female participants showed more positive attitudes than males.

Conclusion

Physicians and dentists play vital roles in raising public knowledge about HPV and awareness regarding HPV vaccination programs. The provision of medical education on HPV must be prioritized, and current training techniques must be re-evaluated. Thus, by implementing this strategy, improvement in national vaccination policy can be expected.

Parental Acceptability of HPV Vaccination for Adolescent Daughters and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Bozhou, China

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate parents' acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their daughters and associated factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a city in China with a sample population of parents with a daughter in middle school. Participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge level regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine, perspectives on the health belief model (HBM) constructs, social norms, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine were determined through self-administered questionnaires.

RESULTS

Among the 523 parents who completed the questionnaire, 71.5% expressed willingness to have their daughters vaccinated against HPV infection and cervical cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed higher acceptability in the participants with higher perceived severity of HPV infection (OR = 4.823, 95% CI = 2.683, 12.049), higher knowledge-assessment score (OR = 1.298, 95% CI = 1.055, 1.476), and higher perceived safety of the HPV vaccine (OR = 6.372, 95% CI = 3.856, 14.062). Parents influenced by social norms (OR = 4.959, 95% CI = 2.989, 14.386) and those who complied with physicians' recommendations (OR = 4.896, 95% CI = 1.936, 9.258) reported higher levels of acceptability.

IMPLICATIONS

Our results provide preliminary evidence on the need for health education programs and HPV vaccination campaigns. Future studies should focus on whether the factors associated with vaccination can increase parental acceptability of the HPV vaccine.

Investigating HPV- and HPV Vaccine-Related Knowledge, Perceptions, and Information Sources among Health Care Providers in Three Big Cities in China

The limited access to vaccination and vaccine hesitancy are prevalent even among health care providers in less developed countries. This study assessed the relationships between (i) health care providers' knowledge on human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccination for HPV and (ii) their perceptions, demographic characteristics, and the use of information sources. In this large-scale online survey, participants (n = 1394) were recruited from hospitals of three big cities in China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen). Descriptive analysis, the chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used to answer different research questions. Health care providers' overall knowledge scores are consistent with their perceptions about HPV and HPV vaccine. Occupation, specialty, the type of hospitals, and the frequency of participants' search for information using professional informational sources are the most significant characteristics that are closely associated with their knowledge of HPV and its vaccine. Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve health care providers' engagement in the promotion of the HPV vaccine. Such interventions, besides increasing knowledge, should also emphasize the importance of appropriate information sources to acquire information.

Effectiveness of a Health Talk Education Program on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions to Vaccinate Children Among Mothers of Secondary School Boys in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cancer related to human papillomavirus (HPV) that affects males is rising throughout the world. Currently, Vietnamese boys are typically not vaccinated against HPV while girls are. There are only a few studies pertaining to HPV vaccination among boys in Asian countries where parents play the most important role in deciding on such vaccination. We present here the first study to assess the effectiveness of a health talk education program on HPV knowledge, attitudes and intention to vaccinate children among mothers of secondary school students in the Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam.

METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study. Two secondary schools in the Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam were selected by purposive sampling. A total of 288 mothers of male students of two secondary schools were selected to participate, n=144 as controls and n=144 for the intervention arm for every school. Mothers of male students were invited to answer interview questions. The questionnaires covered social demographics, health history, HPV knowledge and HPV vaccination perception and intention. The study ran from September 2019 to January 2020.

RESULTS

In total, 279 mothers finished the questionnaires. At the baseline, HPV knowledge in both groups was at the same level (p>0.05). One month after receiving the HPV health talk education, mothers of male students had much higher HPV knowledge than those who did not receive such HPV health talk education. The intervention group also had a much higher HPV vaccination intention than the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Health education was shown in this study to be an effective method to increase HPV knowledge and vaccination intention among mothers of boys in Vietnam.

Italian Health Care Workers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Human Papillomavirus Infection and Prevention

Objective: To assess healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, related diseases, and prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter survey about HPV and its prevention, targeted to healthcare workers involved in HPV vaccine counseling, was performed from May 2017 to December 2018. Results: The overall median knowledge and attitude scores were 69.2% (25–75, p = 61.5–84.6) and 5 (25–75, p = 4–5), respectively. Both knowledge and attitudes statistically significantly differ between physicians and healthcare professions. The median propensity score before and after the educational intervention was stable and high, at 10 (25–75, p = 9–10). The predictors of statistically significantly high knowledge scores are to be a physician, general practitioner, or pediatrician, attending courses/congresses, and consulting technical product characteristics and scientific literature to obtain information about the HPV vaccine. Being a physician and consulting scientific literature to obtain information about the HPV vaccine were found also as predictors of statistically significantly different attitude scores among study participants. Conclusions: Although healthcare workers showed overall positive attitudes towards the relevance of HPV burden and prevention tools, demonstrated knowledge was largely suboptimal, particularly that shown by healthcare professions. Obtained results allow highlighting knowledge gaps, and thus improving counselling to HPV vaccine targets.

Conceiving an application ontology to model patient human papillomavirus vaccine counseling for dialogue management

Background

In the United States and parts of the world, the human papillomavirus vaccine uptake is below the prescribed coverage rate for the population. Some research have noted that dialogue that communicates the risks and benefits, as well as patient concerns, can improve the uptake levels. In this paper, we introduce an application ontology for health information dialogue called Patient Health Information Dialogue Ontology for patient-level human papillomavirus vaccine counseling and potentially for any health-related counseling.

Results

The ontology’s class level hierarchy is segmented into 4 basic levels - Discussion, Goal, Utterance, and Speech Task. The ontology also defines core low-level utterance interaction for communicating human papillomavirus health information. We discuss the design of the ontology and the execution of the utterance interaction.

Conclusion

With an ontology that represents patient-centric dialogue to communicate health information, we have an application-driven model that formalizes the structure for the communication of health information, and a reusable scaffold that can be integrated for software agents. Our next step will to be develop the software engine that will utilize the ontology and automate the dialogue interaction of a software agent.

The Acceptability of HPV Vaccines and Perceptions of Vaccination against HPV among Physicians and Nurses in Hong Kong

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections nationwide. Methods: This is the first cross-sectional survey assessing physicians’ and nurses’ knowledge of HPV and recording their attitudes to HPV vaccination in Hong Kong. Survey questions were derived from the Health Belief Model. Results: 1152 clinicians (170 physicians and 982 nurses) aged 21 and 60 participated in this study. A multiple stepwise regression model was used to examine associations between cognitive factors (clinicians’ attitudes) and subjects’ intention to HPV vaccine uptake. Results showed that only 30.2% of physicians and 21.2% nurses found vaccinating for HPV acceptable. Conclusions: Perceived self-efficacy was the only significant background and cognitive variable associated with physicians’ and nurses’ accepting HPV vaccines. Further, when nurses found HPV vaccination acceptable, cues to action was featured as a significant background variable in their choice.

Effects of Multimedia Framed Messages on Human Papillomavirus Prevention Among Adolescents

The purposes of this study were to develop gain-framed (benefits of performing behaviors) and loss-framed (costs of not performing behaviors) messages and to identify the effects of these messages on human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical cancer awareness and vaccination intention. Self-administered questionnaires and effect-size measurements were used to evaluate the effects of the framed HPV vaccination messages delivered through multimedia. The results showed that gain-framed and loss-framed messages equally improved HPV knowledge ( d = 2.147-2.112) and attitude toward HPV vaccination ( d = 0.375-0.422). The intent to receive HPV vaccinations for cervical cancer prevention was higher in the two intervention groups ( d = 0.369-0.378) in which the participants were informed that public funding for the vaccination was available. Participants who received loss-framed HPV education messages paid statistically significantly more attention to health education and expressed more concern for sexual health than participants who received gain-framed HPV education messages.

Which primary care practitioners have poor human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge? A step towards informing the development of professional education initiatives

Background

Primary care practitioners (PCP) play key roles in cervical cancer prevention. Human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge is an important influence on PCPs’ cervical cancer prevention-related behaviours. We investigated HPV knowledge, and associated factors, among general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses.

Methods

A survey, including factual questions about HPV infection and vaccination, was mailed to GPs and practice nurses in Ireland. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine which PCPs had low knowledge (questions correctly answered: infection ≤5/11; vaccination: ≤4/10). Questions least often answered correctly were identified.

Results

697 PCPs participated. For HPV infection, GPs and practice nurses answered a median of nine and seven questions correctly, respectively (p<0.001). Significantly associated with low HPV infection knowledge were: being a practice nurse/male GP; working fewer hours/week; not having public patients; and having never taken a cervical smear. For HPV vaccination, both GPs and practice nurses answered a median of six questions correctly (p = 0.248). Significantly associated with low HPV vaccination knowledge were: being a practice nurse/male GP; working more years in general practice, fewer hours/week, in a smaller practice or in a practice not specialising in women’s health; and having never taken a smear. Six HPV infection questions, and seven HPV vaccination questions, were not answered correctly by >⅓ of PCPs.

Conclusions

There are important limitations in HPV infection and vaccination knowledge among PCPs. By identifying factors associated with poor knowledge, and areas of particular uncertainty, these results can inform development of professional education initiatives thereby ensuring women have access to uniformly high-quality HPV-related information and advice.

HPV Vaccination Recommendation Practices among Adolescent Health Care Providers in 5 Countries

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess adolescent health care providers' recommendations for, and attitudes towards human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in 5 countries.

DESIGN

In-depth interviews of adolescent health care providers, 2013-2014.

SETTING

Five countries where HPV vaccination is at various stages of implementation into national programs: Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescent health care providers (N = 151) who had administered or overseen provision of adolescent vaccinations (N = Argentina: 30, Malaysia: 30, South Africa: 31, South Korea: 30, Spain: 30).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequency of HPV vaccination recommendation, reasons providers do not always recommend the vaccine and facilitators to doing so, comfort level with recommending the vaccine, reasons for any discomfort, and positive and negative aspects of HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

Over half of providers 82/151 (54%) recommend HPV vaccination always or most of the time (range: 20% in Malaysia to 90% in Argentina). Most providers 112/151 (74%) said they were comfortable recommending HPV vaccination, although South Korea was an outlier 10/30 (33%). Providers cited protection against cervical cancer 124/151 (83%) and genital warts 56/151 (37%) as benefits of HPV vaccination. When asked about the problems with HPV vaccination, providers mentioned high cost 75/151 (50% overall; range: 26% in South Africa to 77% in South Korea) and vaccination safety 28/151 (19%; range: 7% in South Africa to 33% in Spain). Free, low-cost, or publicly available vaccination 59/151 (39%), and additional data on vaccination safety 52/151 (34%) and efficacy 43/151 (28%) were the most commonly cited facilitators of health provider vaccination recommendation.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to increase HPV vaccination should consider a country's specific provider concerns, such as reducing cost and providing information on vaccination safety and efficacy.

The Relationship of Health Beliefs with Information Sources and HPV Vaccine Acceptance among Young Adults in Korea

Despite the HPV vaccine&rsquo;s efficacy in preventing cervical cancer, its coverage rates among Asians are very low. To increase immunization coverage among these populations, understanding the psychological factors that affect HPV acceptability is critical. To this end, this study examined the relationships between multidimensional health beliefs and HPV vaccine acceptance, and what information sources effectively foster HPV vaccination-related health beliefs. Data were collected using a survey of 323 undergraduate students in Korea. Results showed that perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived vaccine safety concerns predicted vaccine acceptance. Multiple dimensions of perceived barriers showed differing impacts on vaccine acceptance. In addition, interpersonal information sources were effective in boosting various health beliefs for HPV vaccination. The Internet also was effective in reducing social barriers, but the effects were opposite to those of social media. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Contents of Japanese pro- and anti-HPV vaccination websites: A text mining analysis

OBJECTIVE

In Japan, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rate has sharply fallen to nearly 0% due to sensational media reports of adverse events. Online anti-HPV-vaccination activists often warn readers of the vaccine's dangers. Here, we aimed to examine frequently appearing contents on pro- and anti-HPV vaccination websites.

METHODS

We conducted online searches via two major search engines (Google Japan and Yahoo! Japan). Targeted websites were classified as "pro," "anti," or "neutral" according to their claims, with the author(s) classified as "health professionals," "mass media," or "laypersons." We then conducted a text mining analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 270 sites analyzed, 16 contents were identified. The most frequently appearing contents on pro websites were vaccine side effects, preventable effect of vaccination, and cause of cervical cancer. The most frequently appearing contents on anti websites were vaccine side effects, vaccine toxicity, and girls who suffer from vaccine side effects. Main disseminators of each content according to the author's expertise were also revealed.

CONCLUSION

Pro-HPV vaccination websites should supplement deficient contents and respond to frequent contents on anti-HPV websites.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Effective tactics are needed to better communicate susceptibility to cervical cancer, frequency of side effects, and responses to vaccine toxicity and conspiracy theories.

Factors involved in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy among women in the South-East Asian Region (SEAR) and Western Pacific Region (WPR): A scoping review

A scoping review was performed to identify factors that may lead to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy among women in low- and middle-income countries in South East Asian Region (SEAR) and Western Pacific Region (WPR). A systematic search of English and non-English articles using Pubmed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and CINAHL plus was conducted. Only 63 studies conducted in SEAR and WPR were included from inception until December 2016. Results of these studies have shown that poor awareness and knowledge of practices on cervical cancer prevention was evident in both SEAR and WPR. Concerns on safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and costs in getting vaccinated were significant barriers. Most women stated that they needed more information, and strongly welcomed a physician's recommendation in both geographical regions. Women also felt they have a low risk of acquiring HPV infection and cervical cancer. Most women in SEAR and WPR were unable to decide on whether to accept HPV vaccination.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice on and willingness to pay for human papillomavirus vaccine: a cross-sectional study in Hanoi, Vietnam

BACKGROUND

Despite its effectiveness in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the rate of uptake of the HPV vaccine is low in Vietnam. This study aimed to investigate barriers related to knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) about the HPV vaccine and willingness to pay (WTP) for the vaccine among those using services in an urban vaccination clinic in Hanoi, Vietnam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a vaccination clinic of the Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health in Hanoi, Vietnam, from March to April 2016. KAP on the HPV vaccine was collected using a structured questionnaire. Double-bounded dichotomous-choice questions with open-ended questions were used to examine the WTP of respondents. Interval regression and stepwise logistic models were used to identify factors associated with WTP and the average amount that people would be willing to pay for the vaccine.

RESULTS

Of 492 vaccination service users, 67.9%, 94.6%, and 12.3% of respondents were aware of the best age for HPV vaccination, its benefits, and the target group for vaccination, respectively. While the majority believed that the HPV vaccine was safe (92.8%) and effective (90.8%), and desired to be vaccinated (71.1%), only 31.8% of users were vaccinated. Most of the respondents were willing to pay for the HPV vaccine (86.6%), and willing to pay an average amount of US$49.3. Those aged 20-29 years and earning more than 22 million VND/month (very rich) were more likely to pay for the HPV vaccine than people aged <20 years and earning <7 million VND/month. Users who had attained more than a high-school education and heard about the HPV vaccine from doctors, nurses, or other health professionals tended to be willing to pay for the vaccine at a lower price than individuals with below secondary-level education and who had not heard about the vaccine from these health professionals.

CONCLUSION

Sexual health education and financial assistance should be imparted alongside the HPV vaccination program.

Awareness of and willingness to be vaccinated by human papillomavirus vaccine among junior middle school students in Jinan, China

BACKGROUND

Willingness to be vaccinated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among junior middle school students in China is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine and explore the factors associated with willingness to be vaccinated.

METHODS

First-year students from two junior middle schools in Jinan, China were selected by cluster sampling on December 28, 2015, December 26, 2016, and January 11, 2017, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the factors associated with willingness to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.

RESULTS

A total of 1021 junior middle school students participated in this survey. Only 15.5% of them had heard of HPV and 18.9% of them had heard of the HPV vaccine. Students who were willing to take the HPV vaccine in the future accounted for 66.9%. Factors associated with the HPV vaccination were: urban junior middle school students (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09-2.09), female students (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.36-2.66), students surveyed in 2015 (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.26-2.28), regarding menstruation/spermatorrhoea as a normal physiological phenomenon (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.14-2.36), believing vaccination is an important way to prevent diseases (AOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01-1.83), believing that the first vaccination should be in infancy (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04-1.92), believing that cervical cancer is a concern for themselves (AOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.28-2.97), and having heard of HPV (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.13-2.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine among junior students was low, however willingness to be vaccinated was high. Education focusing on HPV-related knowledge in addition to sex education is needed to promote the coverage of the HPV vaccine.

Application of real-time global media monitoring and 'derived questions' for enhancing communication by regulatory bodies: the case of human papillomavirus vaccines

BACKGROUND

The benefit-risk balance of vaccines is regularly debated by the public, but the utility of media monitoring for regulatory bodies is unclear. A media monitoring study was conducted at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concerning human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines during a European Union (EU) referral procedure assessing the potential causality of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) reported to the authorities as suspected adverse reactions.

METHODS

To evaluate the utility of media monitoring in real life, prospective real-time monitoring of worldwide online news was conducted from September to December 2015 with inductive content analysis, generating 'derived questions'. The evaluation was performed through the validation of the predictive capacity of these questions against journalists' queries, review of the EMA's public statement and feedback from EU regulators.

RESULTS

A total of 4230 news items were identified, containing personal stories, scientific and policy/process-related topics. Explicit and implicit concerns were identified, including those raised due to lack of knowledge or anticipated once more information would be published. Fifty derived questions were generated and categorised into 12 themes. The evaluation demonstrated that providing the media monitoring findings to assessors and communicators resulted in (1) confirming that public concerns regarding CRPS and POTS would be covered by the assessment; (2) meeting specific information needs proactively in the public statement; (3) predicting all queries from journalists; and (4) altering the tone of the public statement with respectful acknowledgement of the health status of patients with CRSP or POTS.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated the potential utility of media monitoring for regulatory bodies to support communication proactivity and preparedness, intended to support trusted safe and effective vaccine use. Derived questions seem to be a familiar and effective format for presenting media monitoring results in the scientific-regulatory environment. It is suggested that media monitoring could form part of regular surveillance for medicines of high public interest. Future work is recommended to develop efficient monitoring strategies for that purpose.

Psychosocial determinants of parental human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision-making for sons: Methodological challenges and initial results of a pan-Canadian longitudinal study

Background

HPV vaccination decision-making is a complex process that is influenced by multiple psychosocial determinants. Given the change in policy recommendation to include males in routine HPV vaccination, our goals were to assess the HPV vaccination uptake in Canada, to understand where Canadian parents were situated in the HPV vaccine decision-making process for their son, how they changed over time and which psychosocial determinants were relevant for this process.

Methods

We used an online survey methodology and collected data from a nationally representative sample of Canadian parents of boys aged 9–16 at baseline (T1, February 2014) and at 9 months’ follow-up (T2). Our analyses were guided by the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM), a theoretical health behavior model that classifies parents in one of six stages: unaware, unengaged, undecided, decided not to vaccinate, decided to vaccinate and those who had already vaccinated their sons. Rigorous methods were used to filter out careless responders: response variance, bogus items, psychometric antonyms and psychometric synonyms.

Results

At T1 and T2, we received 3,784 and 1,608 respectively completed questionnaires; after data cleaning 3,117 (T1) and 1,427 (T2) were retained. Less than 3% of boys were vaccinated at both time points. At both T1 and T2, most parents (over 70%) belonged to the earlier vaccination adoption stages: 57% were unaware (T1) and 15.3% (T2); 20.9% were unengaged (T1) and 32.4% (T2); and 9.1% were undecided (T1) and 25.2% (T2). At follow-up, 37.7% of participants did not move from their initial PAPM decision-making stage. Most parents (55%) preferred to receive information from their healthcare provider (HCP) but only 6% (T1) and 12% (T2) had actually spoken with a HCP about the HPV vaccine for their son.

Conclusions

HPV vaccination uptake in Canadian boys was very low in the absence of a publicly funded HPV vaccination programs for boys. Optimal HPV information preferences were identified and can be used in interventions to increase HPV knowledge and increase HPV vaccine uptake. Intentions to vaccinate or planning to speak to one’s HCP did not translate into action for most parents over the 9-month follow up; this finding is critical to consider to inform implementation strategies. Methodological challenges are described and suggestions for future research are offered.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3828-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors Associated with HPV Vaccination among Cambodian American Teenagers

OBJECTIVES

Parents have general influence over their children's health and health behavior. However, given the dearth of specific literature regarding knowledge level and social and cultural factors influencing HPV vaccination behaviors among Cambodian American (CA) parent, it is difficult to develop an effective, evidence-based public health HPV vaccination program. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the HPV vaccine uptakes among CA teenagers and to examine factors influencing HPV vaccine uptakes.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design and a combination of network and targeted sampling methods were used.

RESULTS

CA mothers (n = 130) completed a health survey through face-to-face interviews in either English or Khmer language. Girls vaccination rates were 29% while that of boys was 16%. Awareness and knowledge of HPV among CA mothers was very low, and many believed that their daughters, who speak English and were educated in the U.S., had more knowledge about health than they did. Logistic regression analysis showed that CA girls had significantly higher odds of vaccination when their mothers possessed a higher level of English reading ability and had greater awareness and knowledge of HPV.

CONCLUSIONS

The strikingly low rates of HPV vaccination among CA girls and boys underscore the need to improve vaccination outreach, education, and uptake. The findings can be used to develop targeted public health HPV vaccination programs for CAs, which will reduce cervical cancer disparities.

Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer and Willingness to pay for Cervical Cancer Vaccination among Ethnically Diverse Medical Students in Malaysia

The primary objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of medical students and determine variation between different cultural groups. A secondary aim was to find out the willingness to pay for cervical cancer vaccination and the relationships between knowledge and attitudes towards Human Papillomavirus vaccination. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a private medical university between June 2014 and November 2014 using a convenient sampling method. A total of 305 respondents were recruited and interviewed with standard questionnaires for assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice towards human papilloma virus and their willingness to pay for HPV vaccination. Knowledge regarding human papilloma virus, human papilloma virus vaccination, cervical cancer screening and cervical cancer risk factors was good. Across the sample, a majority (90%) of the pupils demonstrated a high degree of knowledge about cervical cancer and its vaccination. There were no significant differences between ethnicity and the participants' overall knowledge of HPV infection, Pap smear and cervical cancer vaccination. Some 88% of participants answered that HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer, while 81.5% of medical students said they would recommend HPV vaccination to the public although fewer expressed an intention to receive vaccination for themselves.

Factors influencing the recommendation of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine by South African doctors working in a tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND

In South Africa, HPV vaccination programme has been incorporated recently in the school health system. Since doctors are the most trusted people regarding health issues in general, their knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infections and vaccination are very important for HPV vaccine program nationally.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to recommendation of HPV vaccines to the patients.

METHODS

This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 320 doctors, using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire.

RESULTS

All the doctors were aware of HPV and knew that HPV is transmitted sexually. Their overall level of knowledge regarding HPV infections and HPV vaccine was poor. But the majority intended to prescribe the vaccine to their patients. It was found that doctors who knew that HPV 6 and 11 are responsible for >90% of anogenital warts, their patients would comply with the counselling regarding HPV vaccination, and received sufficient information about HPV vaccination were 5.68, 4.91 and 4.46 times respectively more likely to recommend HPV vaccination to their patients, compared to their counterparts (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a knowledge gap regarding HPV infection and HPV vaccine among the doctors.

mHealth Pilot Study: Text Messaging Intervention to Promote HPV Vaccination

OBJECTIVES

To test the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally-tailored mobile health intervention designed to increase knowledge about, intent to obtain, and receipt of the HPV vaccine.

METHODS

A 7-day text message HPV intervention was developed using a quasi-experimental research design for 30 Korean-American women.

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated significant increases in knowledge of HPV with an intent to get vaccinated within one year, and 30% of participants received the first dose of the HPV vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile health technology could be a promising tool in reducing the cancer burden for underserved populations.

Association Between Parental HPV Knowledge and Intentions to Have Their Daughters Vaccinated

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 causes 66% of cervical cancers (Dunne et al., 2014). Vaccination during adolescence can prevent HPV-associated cervical cancers, yet less than half of adolescent girls are vaccinated. This study examined the association between HPV knowledge and parental intentions to vaccinate daughters against HPV. A retrospective, cross-sectional, national data set from the 2006-2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) was used. A multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between intent to vaccinate and HPV knowledge. After controlling for other covariates, parents who were knowledgeable were more likely to intend to have their daughters vaccinated compared with those who were not knowledgeable (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] = 3.96, p = .004). Having HPV knowledge would significantly increase parents' intent for vaccination against the disease for their daughters. Health care providers should integrate HPV-related education for parents within their services, and policymakers should consider requiring HPV vaccination for school attendance.

Survey on public awareness, attitudes, and barriers for herpes zoster vaccination in South Korea

A cross-sectional study was performed to assess current public awareness of herpes zoster (HZ) and its vaccine, determine the factors that influence people's intention regarding HZ vaccination, and investigate the barriers for vaccination by changing decisions with sequential questions regarding knowledge, cost, and physician's recommendation in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Korea University Guro Hospital, in South Korea, between August 23 and September 15 of 2013. Among 603 subjects who completed the survey, 85.7% and 43.6% subjects were aware of HZ and HZ vaccination, respectively. Women, younger age group, those with higher income or higher education levels were more likely to be aware of HZ. Overall, 85.8% of subjects aware of HZ were willing to be vaccinated or vaccinate their parents. The main obstacles for the increased acceptance toward vaccination were the high cost and low perceived risk, which decreased acceptance to 60.2%. However, physician's recommendation reversed 69.5% of the refusal to accept HZ vaccine. These results indicate that expanding public education and physician's recommendations are important factors aimed at increasing HZ vaccine coverage rate.

Awareness and acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination among health sciences students in Malaysia

The major cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) for which vaccination is available. The success HPV vaccination programme largely depend on the degree of knowledge of the healthcare providers who can recommend to the public. Health sciences students as future healthcare providers play a major role in HPV vaccination initiatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, practice and to find out the willingness to pay for HPV vaccination among the health sciences students in a private university. The cross-sectional study was conducted among the university students studying health sciences program using a validated questionnaire to measure their awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination. The students demonstrated moderate knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination with mean knowledge scores of 9.3 out of 17. Students were showing positive attitude towards HPV vaccination with mean scores of 3.80 out of 5. However, low HPV vaccination uptake rate was reported among the students. Most of the students were willing to recommend HPV vaccine. The participants felt that the cost is the major barrier towards HPV vaccination and they felt the government should cover the cost of vaccination for all. The results of this study may be helpful in establishing educational policies on cervical cancer-related topics in the universities.

A home-school-doctor model to break the barriers for uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine

Background

A high coverage of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is required to achieve a clinically significant reduction in disease burden. Countries implementing free-of-charge national vaccination program for adolescent girls are still challenged by the sub-optimal uptake rate. Voluntary on-site school-based mass vaccination programs have demonstrated high coverage. Here, we tested whether this could be an option for countries without a government-supported vaccination program as in Hong Kong.

Method

A Home-School-Doctor model was evolved based on extensive literature review of various health promotion models together with studies on HPV vaccination among adolescent girls. The outcome measure was uptake of vaccination. Factors associated with the outcome were measured by validated surveys in which 4,631 students from 24 school territory wide participated. Chi-square test was used to analyze association between the categorical variables and the outcome. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent variables associated with the outcome with vaccine group as case and non-vaccine group as control.

Results

In multivariate analysis, parental perception of usefulness of the Home-School-Doctor model had a very high odds ratio for uptake of HPV vaccination (OR 26.6, 95 % CI 16.4, 41.9). Paying a reasonable price was another independent factor associated with increased uptake (OR 1.71, 95 % CI 1.39, 2.1 for those with parents willing to pay US$125-250 for vaccination). For parents and adolescents who were not sure where to get vaccination, this model was significantly associated with improved uptake rate (OR 1.66, 95 % CI 1.23, 2.23). Concerns with side effects of vaccine (OR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.55, 0.88), allowing daughters to make their own decisions (OR 0.49, 95 % CI 0.38, 0.64) and not caring much about daughters’ social life (95 % CI 0.45, 0.92) were factors associated with a lower uptake.

Discussion

The findings of this study have added knowledge on how a school-based vaccination program would improve vaccine uptake rate even when the users need to pay. Our findings are consistent with other study that the most acceptable way to achieve high uptake of HPV vaccine is to offer voluntary school-based vaccination.

Conclusion

A model of care incorporating the efforts and expertise of academics and health professionals working closely with school can be applied to improve the uptake of vaccine among adolescent girls. Subsidized voluntary school-based vaccination scheme can be an option.

Knowledge and awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among women in two distinct Nepali communities

BACKGROUND

This study assessed human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine knowledge and awareness among women in two sub-populations in Nepal - Khokana, a traditional Newari village in the Lalitpur District about eight kilometers south of Kathmandu, and Sanphebagar, a village development committee within Achham District in rural Far-Western Nepal.

METHODS

Study participants were recruited during health camps conducted by Nepal Fertility Care Center, a Nepali non-governmental organization. Experienced staff administered a Nepali language survey instrument that included questions on socio-demographics, reproductive health and knowledge on HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine.

RESULTS

Of the 749 participants, 387 (51.7%) were from Khokana and 362 (48.3%) were from Sanphebagar. Overall, 53.3% (n=372) of women were aware of cervical cancer with a significant difference between Khokana and Sanphebagar (63.3% vs 43.0%; p=0.001). Overall, 15.4% (n=107) of women had heard of HPV and 32% (n=34) of these women reported having heard of the HPV vaccine. If freely available, 77.5% of the women reported willingness to have their children vaccinated against HPV. Factors associated with cervical cancer awareness included knowledge of HPV (Khokana: Odds Ratio (OR)=24.5; (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.1-190.2, Sanphebagar: OR=14.8; 95% CI: 3.7-58.4)) and sexually transmitted infections (Khokana: OR=6.18; 95% CI: 3.1-12.4; Sanphebagar: OR=17.0; 95% CI: 7.3- 39.7) among other risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge and awareness of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine remains low among women in Khokana and Sanphebagar. Acceptance of a freely available HPV vaccine for children was high, indicating potentially high uptake rates in these communities.

The Effectiveness of a Facebook-Assisted Teaching Method on Knowledge and Attitudes About Cervical Cancer Prevention and HPV Vaccination Intention Among Female Adolescent Students in Taiwan

Background. Lack of education is a known barrier to vaccination, but data on the design and effectiveness of interventions remain limited. Objective. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of a Facebook-assisted teaching method on female adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer prevention and on their human papillomavirus vaccination intention. Method. A quasi-experimental time series research design was used. Two hundred female adolescents at a senior high school in Taipei were recruited into two groups. Following a classroom lecture, one group was provided a Facebook-assisted online discussion, and the other group was provided an in-person discussion forum. A demographic questionnaire and cervical cancer prevention questionnaire were distributed. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and generalized estimation equations. Results. Improvement from T0 to T2 in knowledge and attitude scores was 4.204 and 4.496 points, respectively. The Facebook group’s improvement in vaccination intention from T0 to T2 was 2.310 times greater than the control group’s improvement under conditions of out-of-pocket expenses and 2.368 times greater under conditions of free vaccination. Conclusions. School-based cervical cancer prevention education can be effective. The Facebook-assisted discussion method was more effective than the in-person discussion. Providing the human papillomavirus vaccine free of charge would increase female adolescents’ intention to be vaccinated.

Factors influencing the recommendation of the human papillomavirus vaccine by Serbian pediatricians

OBJECTIVES

This research was undertaken to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding Human Papillomavirus infection and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among pediatricians who work in primary health care and to determine their intention to recommend the HPV vaccine as an important measure for the primary prevention of cervical cancer. We assessed the factors associated with the intention to recommend the vaccine.

STUDY DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was conducted in March and April 2012. This research included all pediatricians who worked with school children in public primary health care institutions in Belgrade. A research instrument questionnaire had been designed for this study.

RESULTS

The response rate was 78.7%. The knowledge of pediatricians related to HPV infection and the HPV vaccine was estimated as poor. However, pediatricians recognized the need for additional education in this field. The most-frequently reported barrier to HPV vaccination was the financial concern (68.2%). Alternatively, according to the pediatricians, the most common parental barrier to vaccination was the lack of information on the vaccine (67.2%). Nearly two-thirds of the pediatricians were willing to recommend the vaccine (60.2%). The factors associated with the pediatricians' intention to recommend the vaccine included the parents' attitudes.

CONCLUSION

The majority of pediatricians accept the HPV vaccine and recommend it to their patients. It is necessary to improve cooperation between parents and pediatricians to increase immunization coverage and develop national consulting strategies with a focus on the prevention of HPV infection.

Human papillomavirus vaccination: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and intentions of college female students in Lebanon, a developing country

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common cause for genital warts and cervical cancer. Developing countries in the Middle East such as Lebanon are traditionally considered to be conservative societies with low incidence of sexually transmitted infections. However, nowadays, there is an unexpected increase in the incidence of HPV infections among Middle Eastern females. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the behavioral perceptions of HPV vaccination among female students attending an academic institution in Lebanon. This cross-sectional study invited 512 students to complete a self-administered questionnaire that assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and intentions towards HPV vaccination. Data analysis included the calculation of knowledge scores ranging from 0 to 100, attitude scores ranging from most positive (1) to most negative (5), and intention scores ranging from lowest intention (0) to highest intention (10). With a response rate of n=215 (42%), 36.5% never heard of the vaccine before, and only 16.5% were already HPV vaccinated. The median knowledge score of 52.7% ± 1.71 reflects poor to moderate knowledge. Still, the median attitude score of 2.47 ± 0.05 shows a general positive attitude towards HPV vaccination where most of the participants agreed that female college students in Lebanon have a good chance of contracting HPV (62.1%) and that all gynecologists should recommend the vaccine (76.0%). Students in graduate programs, health related majors, and those who are vaccinated had significantly higher knowledge scores compared with students in undergraduate programs, non-health related majors, and HPV non-vaccinated students, respectively. Finally, the survey helped in increasing the intention to obtain HPV vaccine as the intention score increased significantly from 5.24 ± 0.27 before the students went through the survey to 6.98 ± 0.22 after the students completed the survey. Our study highlights the importance of offering guidance to female college students about HPV and its vaccination in developing countries where the incidence of sexually transmitted infections is on the rise.

Knowledge of human papillomavirus vaccination and related factors among parents of young adolescents: a nationwide survey in China

PURPOSE

To investigate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine-related knowledge and factors associated with the knowledge among parents of young adolescents in China.

METHODS

The study was based on data of a survey carried out in seven geographic regions of China. Parents of students in junior middle school were surveyed during parents' meetings.

RESULTS

A total of 2895 parents were included in the analyses. Of parents, 38.3% responded with "yes" to more than three of the six knowledge questions, among whom only 4.5% of them correctly answered all six questions. Social benefit programs (41.3%), doctors and/or nurses (39.7%), and newspapers and/or magazines (36.5%) were selected as the top three sources of HPV-related knowledge. Mothers, parents who work in the health care sector, and parents with a higher annual income or with vaccination experience outside the expanded program on immunization showed a better knowledge base. Parents who consented to sex education for children or showed fear of cervical cancer were likely to have more HPV-related knowledge. In particular, the knowledge level of parents with prior consultation regarding HPV vaccines was higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents of young adolescents in China possessed a low level of HPV vaccine-related knowledge. Findings highlight the need for tailored health education through different channels to improve HPV-related knowledge among parents.

The Effectiveness of a Facebook-Assisted Teaching Method on Knowledge and Attitudes About Cervical Cancer Prevention and HPV Vaccination Intention Among Female Adolescent Students in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Lack of education is a known barrier to vaccination, but data on the design and effectiveness of interventions remain limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify the effectiveness of a Facebook-assisted teaching method on female adolescents' knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer prevention and on their human papillomavirus vaccination intention.

METHOD

A quasi-experimental time series research design was used. Two hundred female adolescents at a senior high school in Taipei were recruited into two groups. Following a classroom lecture, one group was provided a Facebook-assisted online discussion, and the other group was provided an in-person discussion forum. A demographic questionnaire and cervical cancer prevention questionnaire were distributed. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and generalized estimation equations.

RESULTS

Improvement from T0 to T2 in knowledge and attitude scores was 4.204 and 4.496 points, respectively. The Facebook group's improvement in vaccination intention from T0 to T2 was 2.310 times greater than the control group's improvement under conditions of out-of-pocket expenses and 2.368 times greater under conditions of free vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

School-based cervical cancer prevention education can be effective. The Facebook-assisted discussion method was more effective than the in-person discussion. Providing the human papillomavirus vaccine free of charge would increase female adolescents' intention to be vaccinated.

Factors influencing adolescent girls' decision in initiation for human papillomavirus vaccination: a cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the common cancers among women worldwide. Despite HPV vaccination being one of the effective preventive measures, it is not included in government vaccination programme in Hong Kong. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of and attitude towards cervical cancer prevention among Chinese adolescent girls in Hong Kong, and to identify factors influencing the initiation of HPV vaccination.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Hong Kong during the period of October 2010 to November 2010. A self-administered questionnaire was used, with 1,416 girls from 8 secondary schools completing the questionnaire. Knowledge scores were composited and initiation of HPV vaccination was staged based on stage of change. Analyses were conducted to identify the association of initiation of HPV vaccination with participant's personal and family factors as well as their knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer prevention.

RESULTS

The uptake rate of HPV vaccination was low (7%) with 58% respondents in pre-contemplation and contemplation stage. The survey identified a significant gap in knowledge on cervical cancer prevention. The main channels of information were from media and very few from schools or parents. However, 70% expressed their wishes to have more information on cancer prevention, and 78% stated that they were willing to change their lifestyles if they knew the ways of prevention. Multivariate analysis identified three independent significant factors for initiation of vaccination (action and intention): perceived cancer as terrifying disease, school should provide more information on cancer prevention, and comments from relatives and friends having received the vaccine. The cost of vaccination and socio-economic background were not found to be significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Public education on cervical cancer needs to be well penetrated into the community for more sharing among friends and relatives. School as setting to provide source of information would facilitate uptake rate of HPV vaccine as students have expressed their wishes that school should provide more information on prevention of cancer. School and community education on cancer prevention would help adolescents to have better understanding of the seriousness of cancer.

Human papillomavirus knowledge and awareness among Vietnamese mothers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US and the primary cause of cervical cancer. Vietnamese American women have the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer but one of the lowest HPV vaccination rates. Parental knowledge is an important predictor of HPV vaccination; however, little is known about HPV knowledge in the Vietnamese American community. We aimed to describe the HPV knowledge of Vietnamese mothers in Houston, Texas and their intention to vaccinate their daughters. We conducted face-to-face interviews with Vietnamese mothers who had daughters aged 9-26 years. We collected data on demographics, acculturation, HPV knowledge, and vaccination intention. Knowledge scores (0-5) were calculated using 5 knowledge questions. We used logistic regression to identify predictors of HPV knowledge. Participants had low levels of acculturation by report of reading (31%) and writing (23%) English well. Less than 50% of participants (n = 47) had heard of HPV, and among these, the mean HPV knowledge score was 4. Although only 1 in 3 had discussed HPV with their medical provider, nearly 86% of participants who had not heard of HPV would vaccinate their daughter if their doctor had recommended it. Good written English skills and belief that the HPV vaccine was not expensive were predictors of HPV awareness. HPV awareness is low among less acculturated Vietnamese mothers in Houston. Future educational efforts about the role of HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer should be made in their language when targeting parents of a high risk Vietnamese population.

Effect on HPV vaccination in Japan resulting from news report of adverse events and suspension of governmental recommendation for HPV vaccination

BACKGROUND

Administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decreased dramatically in Japan after extensive news of adverse vaccine events and suspension of the governmental recommendation for the vaccine. In this study, we investigated the knowledge and acceptance of vaccinated adolescents concerning cervical cancer, cancer screening and the HPV vaccine. Furthermore, we analyzed whether and by how much the news affected acceptance of the vaccination.

METHODS

This study was conducted as a part of Osaka Clinical resEArch of HPV vacciNe (OCEAN) study. A questionnaire was distributed to 2,777 study registrants.

RESULTS

The response rate was 38%. The recognition rate of the news of the vaccine's adverse events was 80%; it was 68% for awareness of the government's announcement of the suspension of its recommendation for the vaccine. Among those who had a chance to hear or see the negative news during their vaccination period, 46 (60%) continued vaccination while knowing of the news, 22 (29%) discontinued vaccination, and 9 (11%) continued vaccination without an awareness of the news. Reports of the vaccine's adverse events were the main reason for not continuing the vaccination series. Those who consulted doctors after hearing the adverse news were significantly more likely to continue their vaccinations than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results should help in understanding the need for a strong promotion of vaccine usage and cancer screening after future retraction of the recommendation suspension. This may apply to other countries with an unsatisfactory rate of HPV vaccination due to fears of adverse vaccine events.

Factors impacting HPV vaccination: lessons for health care professionals

HPV infection leads to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The HPV vaccine is currently licensed and recommended for adolescents and young adults in many countries. Nonetheless, coverage levels remain low, especially in settings using a clinic-based rather than school-based delivery model. Health care professionals (HCPs) have the potential to strongly impact HPV vaccine acceptability and uptake, yet often fail to discuss and/or strongly recommend HPV vaccination. This article reviews the myriad factors that influence HPV vaccination, focusing, in particular, on those relevant to HCP communication with patients and families. It also provides a historical framework and highlights recent evidence related to HPV vaccination that may be valuable for these conversations. Lastly, it discusses strategies targeting HCPs and their practices that may increase HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates globally.

Factors associated with the intention to recommend human papillomavirus vaccination among Korean school health teachers

PURPOSE

The purposes were to examine Korean school health teachers' knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination, identify factors associated with their intention to recommend the HPV vaccine, and characterize school health teachers' communication with students or parents regarding the HPV vaccine.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The online survey involved 119 school health teachers in Korea.

RESULTS

Factors associated with an intention to recommend the HPV vaccine were perceived benefits, desiring more education regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine, and age of school health teachers.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Findings suggest a need for more education to promote a greater understanding of HPV and HPV vaccination among Korean school health teachers.

"HPV? Never heard of it!": a systematic review of girls' and parents' information needs, views and preferences about human papillomavirus vaccination

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Two human papillomavirus vaccines were licenced in 2006/2007 for cervical cancer prevention. National vaccination programmes for schoolgirls were subsequently introduced in some European countries, North America and Australia. To understand factors influencing vaccine uptake and to inform the development of appropriate UK educational materials, we aimed to synthesise evidence of girls' and parents' information needs, views and preferences regarding HPV vaccination.

DESIGN

Systematic review and mixed method synthesis of qualitative and survey data.

DATA SOURCES

Twelve electronic databases; bibliographies of included studies 1980 to August 2011.

REVIEW METHODS

Two reviewers independently screened papers and appraised study quality. Studies were synthesised collaboratively using framework methods for qualitative data, and survey results integrated where they supported, contrasted or added to the themes identified.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight qualitative studies and 44 surveys were included. Where vaccination was offered, uptake was high. Intention to decline was related to a preference for vaccinating later to avoid appearing to condone early sexual activity, concerns about vaccine safety and low perception of risk of HPV infection. Knowledge was poor and there were many misconceptions; participants tried to assess the potential benefits and harms of vaccination but struggled to interpret limited information about HPV in the context of existing knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and cancer. Conclusion Many girls and their parents have limited understanding to an extent that impinges on their ability to make informed choices about HPV vaccination and could impact on future uptake of cervical screening. This is a considerable challenge to those who design and provide information, but getting the messages right for this programme could help in developing patient information about other HPV related cancers.

Health care professional communication about STI vaccines with adolescents and parents

Vaccination of adolescents against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an important prevention strategy that may reduce the global burden of disease. The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and other national health agencies recommend the use of existing STI vaccines, and many countries have incorporated them into their routine vaccination schedule. Despite this, however, data indicate that STI vaccine uptake is suboptimal for a variety of reasons. Health care professionals (HCP) have been shown to have a strong beneficial effect on STI vaccine uptake, yet studies demonstrate that many HCPs fail to discuss or recommend them to adolescent patients. This review article focuses on HCP communication about STI vaccines with adolescents and their parents. It describes STI vaccine message content and delivery as well as the context in which HCPs formulate their messaging approach. It also examines other contextual factors that may shape communication about STI vaccines. Studies from many countries indicate that HCPs often possess misinformation about adolescents, including their sexual risk behaviors, as well as STIs, vaccine safety and efficacy, and STI vaccination recommendations. They also have misconceptions of parental barriers to STI vaccination. These may impact STI vaccine communication and have a negative influence on STI vaccine uptake. These findings highlight the critical need for improved HCP education related to adolescent health, sexuality, and STI vaccination. This may be particularly important in settings without an existing infrastructure or expertise in caring for this unique patient population.

Pap testing, awareness, and acceptability of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among Chinese American women

Little is known about the knowledge and opinions of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among Chinese immigrants, nor the impact of framing HPV as a sexually transmitted infection in this population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted focusing on knowledge and experience with HPV, HPV vaccine, cervical cancer and Pap testing, and attitudes toward HPV vaccine in response to different message frames. Chinese American women were recruited in a community setting (n = 162). Only 19 % had heard of HPV and 38 % had had a Pap test in the last 3 years. Multivariate logistic regression showed that English proficiency was associated with vaccination acceptance and insurance status was associated with HPV awareness; there was no observed correlation with message framing. Chinese American women with limited English proficiency have low HPV awareness. Community-based, culturally appropriate education about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine should be directed toward limited-English proficient Chinese American women.

Female human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: global uptake and the impact of attitudes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent in cervical cancer and has been implicated in a range of other malignancies. Preventative vaccines are now internationally available and provide high levels of protection from common viral strains. The introduction of a comprehensive vaccination programme (except 'program' in computers) could prevent over 60% of current cervical cancer cases, but this is dependent on such programmes achieving a high level of coverage. In this review, we summarise the current trends in female HPV vaccination coverage throughout the world, and place it in the context of available research on attitudes towards vaccination amongst the public and health professionals. Where countries have the resources for mass vaccination programmes, uptake has varied. School-based opt-out programmes consistently achieve highest coverage, whilst countries and regions without systematic vaccination schemes have low coverage. In all countries, the success of vaccination programmes is dependent on the support of the public and healthcare professionals. Whilst public acceptance is dependent on multiple factors, it has repeatedly been shown that recommendation by a health professional, particularly clinicians, is key to vaccine uptake. Worryingly, it appears that a proportion of clinicians still have significant reservations about promoting vaccination, particularly for younger age groups. A commitment now, to fully educating both the public and clinicians, has the potential to make a dramatic future impact.