(Mis)perceptions of HIV and HPV among female college students: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background This study aims to investigate college women’s misperceptions about the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: Twenty college women from an urban, Midwestern university in the United States were recruited to participate in interviews exploring their beliefs about HIV and HPV. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed via interpretive methods. Results: The college women in this study often conflated or confused HPV and HIV and revealed misperceptions about the severity and prevalence of HPV and HIV. Conclusion: The results have important implications for understanding college women’s sexual risk behaviour and, as a result, can inform the practices of both healthcare providers and public health professionals.

HPV education and vaccination uptake in college students

“…In a prior study, college students reported lack of peer and parental support as a barrier to HPV vaccination. 16 In the current study, lack of family support in obtaining the HPV vaccine was not a significant barrier. Only 12% of students on the preeducation survey and 3% on the posteducation survey reported that they would be concerned about family learning of their receipt of the HPV vaccine.…”

“…10 Lack of peer and parental support regarding HPV vaccination was also cited as a barrier. 16 Support from peers and parents was shown to be important to college students as they began to make medical decisions on their own. Young adults were concerned about potential adverse reactions to the HPV vaccine, and they also reported a lack of time to go to a clinic.…”

“…10 Posters with information on HPV in campus bathroom stalls, hallways, and information boards have been shown to be eff ective in raising awareness in the college student population. 16 Use of social media to communicate health information to college students off ers promising outcomes. YouTube videos and Instagram stories have been reported by college students as preferred sources for health education.…”

“…College students reported they did not perceive the need to receive the HPV vaccine if they were not sexually active, used forms of protection such as condoms, were in monogamous relationships, or did not believe that they were at risk for HPV infection 10. Lack of peer and parental support regarding HPV vaccination was also cited as a barrier 16. Support from peers and parents was shown to be important to college students as they began to make medical decisions on their own.…”

“…College students in one study noted that that they did not want to receive text messages about the HPV vaccine and that emails were easy to ignore and delete 10. Posters with information on HPV in campus bathroom stalls, hallways, and information boards have been shown to be effective in raising awareness in the college student population 16. Use of social media to communicate health information to college students offers promising outcomes.…”