Perception and knowledge of HPV-related and vaccine-related conditions among a large cohort of university students in Italy

Abstract

HPV is involved in cervical, anal, penile, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts. It is important to investigate knowledge and attitudes among university students, considering in this age a shift in healthcare decision-making from parents to students themselves. The aim of this study was to estimate knowledge and perception of HPV in terms of potential shame for HPV-related conditions, trust in vaccine efficacy and worry for potential side effects. The study involved students (18-25 years old) from the Universities of Padua and Verona, Italy. Sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics were collected with a questionnaire (n = 9988). Female gender and older age were positively associated with higher knowledge. The adjusted logistic regression showed an association between the set of perceptions investigated and the vaccination status, while a direct connection with knowledge was not found. However, another adjusted linear regression showed that a good set of perceptions could be partially explained by a high level of knowledge. Perceptions seem to fill an intermediate position between the knowledge and the decision to get vaccinated. The potential shame deriving from asking for HPV-vaccination was not identified as a relevant barrier. Having received information from healthcare workers, family and school showed to be positively associated with the adhesion to the vaccination policy. This study identifies university students as a possible target for HPV vaccination and pinpoints specific areas that might be targeted as first to encourage vaccine uptake. Primary prevention together with screening programmes remains essential in further reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases.

Burden and Prevention of HPV. Knowledge, Practices and Attitude Assessment Among Pre-Adolescents and their Parents in Italy

“…These results could support Public Health policymakers in implementing multicomponent interventions including organizational and educational strategies, which warrant a comprehensive approach to improve HPV vaccine compliance [ 24 , 87 ].…”

Uptake of Non-Mandatory Vaccinations in Future Physicians in Italy

“…Strategies aimed at increasing vaccination coverage are varied. Evidence showed that a number of different intervention strategies have been taken into account, as for instance, educational interventions aimed at improving awareness and perception of both the disease and the vaccine availability [ 20 , 21 ], health literacy interventions [ 22 ], facilitation of healthcare access and delivery [ 23 , 24 ] and as a last resort whenever needed, the establishment of compulsory vaccination.…”

There’s Much Yet to be Done: Diverse Perspectives on HPV Vaccination

“…36 Other papers address provider, parent, and patient issues specific to understudied countries, such as China, India, and Italy, as well as areas of vaccine hesitancy and/or low vaccination uptake in the U.S. and Canada. [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Another research report found that few providers in a U.S. regional health plan administered vaccine in a way that was consistent with Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set benchmarks. 45 Two articles explore issues of trust among African American parents and how this impacts vaccination.…”