College Students’ Awareness of the Link Between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-Associated Cancers

Franca, Maria Claudia; Boyer, Valerie E.; Gerend, Mary A.; Lee, Minjee; Whittington, Kelli D.; McKinney, Stacey; Collins, Sandra; McKinnies, Richard C.; Boakye, Eric Adjei

doi:10.1007/s13187-022-02172-w

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…While students indicated that they had some awareness of HPV-associated cervical cancer, students perceived HPV as a female issue and were unaware of the male cancers associated with acquiring HPV. These findings are consistent with a recent study by Franca et al (2022) [ 76 ], who surveyed university students in the US. From 862 students (570 female; 292 male), 70% were aware that HPV can cause cervical cancer, compared to only 34–39% being aware of HPV as a causative agent for oropharyngeal, penile or anal cancer.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Applying the COM-B behaviour model to understand factors which impact 15–16 year old students’ ability to protect themselves against acquirement of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in Northern Ireland, UK

Flood,

Hughes,

Wilson

et al. 2024

PLOS Glob Public Health

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High-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to the development of a number of cancers including cervical, vulvar, penile, anal and oropharyngeal. HPV vaccination programmes offer the HPV vaccine to males and females 12–13 years old in schools throughout the UK. However, knowledge of HPV remains low in post-primary schools. The aim of this study is to capture 15–16 year old students’ perceptions regarding the current provision of HPV education, and whether providing HPV education to 15–16 year olds could influence their intention to be vaccinated and/or future sexual health decisions related to HPV. Between 5th November 2021 and 6th May 2022, seven focus groups were conducted with 34 students in post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. The data was analysed using the COM-B behaviour model to explore the perceived facilitators and barriers impacting students’ ability to protect themselves from acquirement of HPV. Students perceived their knowledge of HPV to be poor and supported the addition of comprehensive mandatory HPV education at 15–16 years old when many of them were becoming sexually active. They identified barriers including lack of parental education, school ethos and religion and insufficient education regarding their legal rights to self-consent to HPV vaccination. Students felt that removal of these barriers would lead to safer sexual practices, increased awareness of the importance of HPV screening and increased HPV vaccination uptake. The recommendations provided by students need to be supported by the Education Authority in conjunction with the Department of Health in order to be successfully implemented into the post-primary school curriculum.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Applying the COM-B behaviour model to understand factors which impact 15–16 year old students’ ability to protect themselves against acquirement of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in Northern Ireland, UK

Flood,

Hughes,

Wilson

et al. 2024

PLOS Glob Public Health

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“…In our study, both the Japanese and Vietnamese students had limited knowledge regarding HPV infection. Previous studies also reported insufficient knowledge of HPV infection and HPV vaccines among undergraduate students, including medical students [15][16][17][18][19][20]. Furthermore, the rate of HPV vaccination coverage in Japan has experienced a significant decline since 2013, coinciding with negative campaigns against vaccination.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam

Vu,

Tran,

Quach

et al. 2023

BMC Med Educ

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Background The incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rapidly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam, thereby providing insights for implementing appropriate medical educational interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among new-entry health science students at Hiroshima University, Japan, and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A printed predesigned questionnaire consisting of eleven questions was distributed to the participants during the freshmen health screening at the beginning of the academic year to assess their knowledge of cancer. Results A total of 2,748 new-entry health science students participated in the study, including 394 (14.3%) Japanese students and 2,354 (85.7%) Vietnamese students. Most cancer knowledge levels in Japanese students were significantly higher than those in Vietnamese students (p < 0.001), except for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection awareness. For this understanding, only 14.8% of Japanese students selected the correct answer, which was significantly lower than the 22.4% of Vietnamese students (p = 0.001). Both the Japanese and Vietnamese students had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the link between estrogen–progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer. Additionally, female students had better knowledge about breast, skin, and endometrial cancers than male students. Conclusions Japanese students generally exhibited higher levels of cancer knowledge than Vietnamese students, except for HPV infection recognition. Both groups had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the relationship between estrogen–progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer.

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“…Given the general lack of awareness and knowledge about HPV vaccination and HPVassociated cancers [29][30][31], programs to increase student knowledge about the benefits of HPV vaccination are needed. The HPV vaccine (with an average cost of $300) is free for individuals with health insurance and Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines for those that may not have insurance.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association between Sexual Activity and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Initiation and Completion among College Students

et al. 2022

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HPV vaccination is most effective if received before initiation of sexual activity. Previous studies suggested that young adult women who were not sexually active were not interested in receiving the vaccine because they did not think it was necessary. Whether this misperception is still prevalent today—and also shared by men—is unknown. This study examined whether sexual activity was associated with HPV vaccine uptake (initiation and completion) among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2021 among students (n = 951) at a public Midwestern University. Sexual activity was categorized as “never” or “ever” had oral and/or vaginal sex. Outcome variables were HPV vaccine initiation, defined as receipt of ≥1 dose, and completion, defined as receipt of ≥3 doses. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the association between sexual activity and HPV vaccine uptake, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Approximately 18% of students reported never engaging in sexual activity. Overall, 45.5% initiated the HPV vaccine, and 16.5% completed the vaccine series. After adjusting for covariates, compared to students that reported never engaging in sexual activity, those that had ever engaged in sexual activity were more likely to have initiated the vaccine series (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.34–3.17); however, no difference was observed for completion. HPV vaccination was low; sexually naïve students were less likely to initiate the HPV vaccine. Since sexually naïve students may benefit from receiving the HPV vaccination, targeted interventions should be implemented towards this population to help increase vaccination rates and prevent HPV-associated diseases.

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College Students’ Awareness of the Link Between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-Associated Cancers

Cited by 6 publications

References 25 publications

Applying the COM-B behaviour model to understand factors which impact 15–16 year old students’ ability to protect themselves against acquirement of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in Northern Ireland, UK

Applying the COM-B behaviour model to understand factors which impact 15–16 year old students’ ability to protect themselves against acquirement of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in Northern Ireland, UK

Knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam

Association between Sexual Activity and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Initiation and Completion among College Students

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