P1-124 Knowledge and attitudes towards the human papillomavirus vaccine among college students

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is a leading cause of cervical cancer in the United States; most cases occur in individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, yet few studies have examined factors associated with HPV vaccine acceptance among this age group. Responses to a 15-question web-based survey were used to determine predictors and deterrents of HPV vaccine acceptance among college students. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze data at a confidence interval of 95%. Students who believed they were at risk for contracting HPV were over four times more likely to be willing to receive the vaccine than students who did not believe they were at risk [Odds Ratio: 4.2; CI: 2.113, 8.359; p = 0.000]. Students who had previously been diagnosed with an STI were almost seven times more likely perceive they were at risk for contracting HPV [OR: 6.86; CI: 1.85, 25.52; p = 0.009]. Male students were less willing to receive the preventative HPV immunization than their female counterparts [OR: 0.355; CI: 0.155, 0.812; p = 0.007]. Students who were aware of the relationship between HPVand cervical cancer were nearly two times more likely to report willingness to receive the vaccine [OR: 1.93; CI: 0.987, 3.754; p = 0.044]. HPV vaccination uptake may be increased if future programs emphasize students' susceptibility to HPV infection. Vaccination campaigns should also highlight the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer, as well as vaccine safety and effectiveness.