An innovative medical school curriculum to address human papillomavirus vaccine hesitancy

Prabhu

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

et al. 2019

Purpose: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among undergraduate medical, dental, and nursing students in South India. Methods: Using a post-test study design, a convenience sample of 988 students (age 18-26 years) were surveyed. The primary outcome was vaccine acceptability (likely to intend to receive the vaccine). Bivariate analysis using Chi-Square test of independence and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with vaccine acceptability. Results: Out of 988 students surveyed, majority had heard about cervical cancer (95%), HPV (89.3) or genital warts(77.5). Only 59.7% had heard of HPV vaccine prior to the survey; 65.2% intended to receive the vaccine and 68.3% were willing to recommend the vaccine to others. Participants aged <22 years were less likely to accept the vaccine (OR:0.85, CI:0.76-0.96) compared with participants aged older than 22 years. Medical students (OR:1.12, CI:1.03-1.23), students who reported alcohol use (OR:1.15, CI:1.03-1.29) and those with moderate knowledge scores were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine (OR:1.14, CI:1.04-1.24), compared to others. On multivariate analysis, only course (OR 1.366, CI 1.016-1.835) and attitude score (OR 4.17; CI 2.12-8.2) were statistically associated with intention to receive the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: Two-thirds of students intended to receive the HPV vaccine. Although the overall awareness of the HPV-related disease and prevention is good, considerable knowledge gaps exists in many areas suggesting that that more education about HPV disease and benefits of vaccination should be included in the undergraduate medical school curriculum.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among undergraduate medical, dental and nursing students in South India

Prabhu

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

et al. 2019

“…Further emphasizing the need for future HCPs to be well equipped to confidently and knowledgeably address immunization in their future careers. Research conducted both in the U.S. and internationally have shown that education focused on providing future HCPs with strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, along with education with multidisciplinary teams, can significantly improve students’ knowledge and confidence related to immunizations [25, 26].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…human papillomavirus [HPV] vaccine, influenza vaccine) [8, 13, 14, 25, 26]. Comparisons have not been sought between HCP programs [8, 13, 14, 25, 26]. Greater understanding of the training HCPs receive could provide insight into how their vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs are formed and how to better equip HCP students to address immunizations in their future careers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immunization attitudes, opinions, and knowledge of healthcare professional students at two Midwestern universities in the United States

2019

Background In addition to administering vaccinations, healthcare professionals (HCPs) also play a crucial role in providing education and advocacy to the public regarding immunizations. Yet, many current and future HCPs are unprepared or reluctant to address the vaccine conversation with hesitant patients. Doctors, pharmacists, and nurses are all recognized as the most trusted sources of vaccine information. By comparing future HCPs in these three distinct programs, we can better understand where potential gaps may lie in their training and education. With insight from students, potential changes to curriculum can improve future HCPs ability to address vaccine hesitancy in their respective careers. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of HCP students on the topic of immunization. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017 to assess students in nursing, medical, and pharmacy programs at two universities in the state of North Dakota in the United States. The survey assessed six key themes: 1) demographic information; 2) basic vaccine knowledge; 3) vaccine hesitancy; 4) likelihood to recommend vaccines; 5) confidence in addressing vaccine-related topics with patients; 6) an appraisal of the education they have received on vaccinations. Results The survey was completed by 223 participants (overall response rate = 23.7%). Results indicated that vaccine-related knowledge varied greatly by program; high knowledge scores were achieved by 74.3% of medical students, 62.7% of pharmacy students, 57.1% of doctor of nursing practice (DNP) students, and 24.7% of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students. Over a third (34.2%) of BSN students believed that the current recommended immunization schedule places undue burden on a child’s immune system, versus only 4.3% of medical students. Additionally, 54.2% of participants believed that spreading out recommended vaccines over several visits was an appropriate means of reducing parental stress about vaccinating. Conclusions Participant responses suggest that negative attitudes, lack of knowledge, and general discomfort exist across all programs, but especially among nursing students, regarding vaccination. Our findings indicate potential areas where targeted interventions could be implemented to better equip future HCPs in their ability to discuss and educate the public regarding vaccination. Trial registration #PH17173 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12909-019-1678-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Current Perspectives in Human Papillomavirus

“…The current trend suggests a relatively low level of awareness on HPV-associated diseases in males and acceptability of vaccination against the virus in most countries but worst in developing nations [75][76][77][78][79]. There are efforts from varying perspectives by different groups to improve the current situation based on findings from some studies [80,81].…”

Section: Future Perspectives On Hpv In Malesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection in Males: A Need for More Awareness

Manga¹,

Fowotade²,

Yahaya³

2019

Globally, human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually transmitted pathogen, which is significantly associated with high morbidity and mortality in both sexes. Except those vaccinated, virtually all sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV in their lifetime. Although most HPV infections are transient, association with anogenital warts, cervical, penile, and other malignancies have been reported. HPV can be transmitted from one person to another through contact especially during sexual contact including anal, vaginal, or oral. Although HPV infection affects both males and females, its causal association with cervical cancer has made most literature to be mainly on females. In view of its sexual transmissibility and the increasing prevalence of HPV-related malignancies among males worldwide, there is need for more awareness on the infection in males. Most developed countries offer HPV vaccination for girls, but vaccine recommendations for boys are still relatively uncommon especially in developing countries where the burden of HPVrelated malignancies is still very high. The current discourse highlights the need for increased awareness on HPV vaccination among this neglected gender group.