Human papillomavirus knowledge and vaccine status among university students: How have health care providers influenced the vaccine decision?

Abstract

Variations in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake rates across the nation are not understood, especially among college aged students. Most sexually active women and men will become infected with HPV unless they receive HPV vaccination (CDC, 2019; President's Cancer Panel, 2018). This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine 254 male and female undergraduate college students' vaccine status, knowledge, and perceived risk of contracting HPV. Further, this study captured student narratives related to how health care providers influence their vaccine decision and what types of information have been shared. Females received a provider recommendation for vaccine and were fully vaccinated more often than male students. However, a group of students were unsure of their vaccine status, which was related to low knowledge and misperceptions of risk. Some students were unable to identify risk factors related to contracting HPV and many did not view the vaccine applicable to themselves. Regardless of vaccine status, students in this study had low knowledge and held misconceptions about the vaccine. Many students reported the health care provider had not been a source of information, had not been an influence on their vaccine decision, and had not recommended the vaccine. There is evidence to support health care providers should introduce or return to previous HPV conversations with college-aged patients.