HPV Vaccination in the U.S. Midwest: Barriers and Facilitators of Initiation and Completion in Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Background/Objectives: HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the US remains low, and coverage in the Midwest falls short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adolescents and young adults was conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the Midwest. Results: Out of 1306 individuals aged 13–26 years, 397 (30.4%) were fully vaccinated (2–3 doses), 124 (9.5%) had received one dose, 324 (24.8%) were unvaccinated, and 461 (35.3%) were unsure of their vaccination status. Awareness of HPV vaccines (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6, 3.6), beliefs about vaccine effectiveness (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.9), family support (OR: 2.3 95% CI: 1.4, 3.8) and knowing someone with cervical cancer (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.7) were associated with increased odds of full vaccination. Beliefs in vaccine safety (OR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.0, 3.9) and having health insurance coverage (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.5) were associated with increased odds of initiated vaccination (i.e., receiving at least one dose). Concerns about vaccine side effects (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.8) and not receiving recommendations from doctors were significantly associated with decreased odds of full vaccination (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.8) or initiated vaccination (OR: 0.5% CI: 0.2, 0.9). Clinician recommendations and awareness also reduced the likelihood of unknown vaccination status. Race-stratified analyses suggested heterogeneity in predictors across racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions: Our findings support the need for multi-level interventions aimed at increasing HPV vaccination initiation and completion in the Midwest.