Declining awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine within the general US population

Abstract

Programs aimed at boosting human papillomavirus (HPV)-related awareness are considered one of the most effective strategies for increasing vaccination uptake and eliminating HPV-associated cancers. Several US states have made strong commitments to this effort through legislation and dedicated funds. However, it is not known if these efforts have resulted in population-level increments in HPV awareness overtime. Using the Health Information National Trends Survey data, we examined the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine in the US, between 2008 and 2018. Prevalence estimates and confidence intervals were calculated for HPV and HPV vaccine awareness. Further, we assessed awareness after stratifying by key sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine declined over time. The lowest awareness was among racial minorities, rural residents, male respondents, those aged 65 years and older, as well as those with the lowest educational and socioeconomic standing. Between 2013 and 2018, the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine declined by almost 10% among males, those with a high school level of education or lower, and those who earned less than USD 35,000 per annum. In 2018, the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine was highest among non-Hispanic whites (65.8% and 66.5%) and female adults (70.5% and 71.4%); however, these figures represented declines of about 5% from rates observed in 2008. Amidst a background of sub-optimal HPV vaccination uptake and a growing incidence of HPV-associated cancers in the US, HPV-related awareness within the general US population has declined over time. This calls for stricter enforcement of legislation aimed at boosting HPV awareness, as well as frequent evaluation of government-funded HPV awareness programs.

Assessing Human Papillomavirus Awareness and the Role of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Education on Improving Intention to Vaccinate

“…13 Recent evidence by Chido-Amajuoyi et al suggests that public awareness of HPV and the vaccine is falling. 14 Although the authors did not comment on reasons for the decline, it could be due to plateauing or declining incidence of cervical cancer (which is the most widely recognized HPV-related cancer) in some demographics. 15,16 However, since at least 2012, HPV-related OPSCC has been the most common HPV-related cancer in the United States.…”

Safety Concerns or Adverse Effects as the Main Reason for Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Refusal

“…In some instances, misinformation has also been supported by influential public and political figures. While our findings point to a need for widespread dissemination of educational programs within the general population, it is also crucial that public health agencies work with social media companies to develop campaigns to combat misinformation online. Lastly, physicians have a crucial frontline role to play in addressing vaccine hesitancy during parent-physician encounters.…”

Polish Medical Students’ Knowledge Regarding Human Papillomavirus’s Ways of Transmission, Risk of Cancer Development and Vaccination, and Their Intention to Recommend Vaccination

“…In the general population, even in countries where educational programs on the prevention of HPV infection have been implemented, the level of knowledge is insufficient and, surprisingly, has deteriorated over the last decade [ 16 ]. The lowest awareness of the subject was observed in men, racial minorities, inhabitants of rural areas, people with a lower socioeconomic status and lower level of education, and the elderly.…”