Predictors of Adults’ Knowledge and Awareness of HPV, HPV-Associated Cancers, and the HPV Vaccine: Implications for Health Education

Abstract

High human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and low HPV vaccine uptake are significant public health concerns. Disparities in HPV-associated cancers and HPV vaccine uptake rates suggest the need for additional research examining factors associated with vaccine acceptance. This study assessed HPV awareness and knowledge and identified sociodemographic characteristics associated with HPV knowledge at the population level. Data from adult men ( n = 1,197) and women ( n = 1,906) who participated in the National Cancer Institute's 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey were analyzed. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of four HPV knowledge categories: (1) general knowledge, (2) cervical cancer knowledge, (3) "other" cancer knowledge (i.e., anal, oral, penile), and (4) vaccine knowledge. Significant gender differences in awareness and knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine were revealed. Most participants (>70%) knew that HPV could cause cervical cancer, but fewer (14.9% to 31.5%) knew of the association between HPV and "other" cancers. Women were more likely to report that a health care provider recommended vaccination. Significant predictors of general HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge included gender, education, income, race, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Age and income predicted cervical cancer knowledge. Knowledge of "other" HPV-associated cancers was predicted by having a child under 18 years in the household and relationship status. HPV knowledge appears to be socially patterned. Low HPV knowledge among men and some racial minorities suggests a need for further intervention. Health education should emphasize risks of noncervical HPV-associated cancers. Patient-provider communication that includes education, counseling, and clear recommendations favoring vaccination may improve uptake.

Strength of belief: Religious commitment, knowledge, and HPV vaccination adherence

“…Strong religious commitment was not associated with knowledge of HPV‐related oral and anal cancers, or herpes, and this is not unexpected. Most individuals, even those at increased risk (eg, men who have sex with men), are largely uninformed and unaware of the link between HPV and anal cancer and oral cancers . Thus, it may not be religious commitment that contribute to a lack of knowledge but a society‐wide lack of knowledge.…”

“…Most individuals, even those at increased risk (eg, men who have sex with men), are largely uninformed and unaware of the link between HPV and anal cancer 37 and oral cancers. 38,39 Thus, it may not be religious commitment that contribute to a lack of knowledge but a society-wide lack of knowledge.…”

Incidence trends for upper aerodigestive tract cancers in rural United States counties

“…How can the unfavorable trends in rural upper aerodigestive tract cancer incidence be addressed? General knowledge of HPV and its link to cancers, other than cervical cancer, has been shown to be linked to sociodemographic factors, such as education level and income . Mohammed et al described differences in awareness of HPV, its link to certain cancers, and the existence of the HPV vaccine between US residents in urban and rural settings, with rural individuals much less likely to have heard of HPV .…”

Evaluating a Technology-Mediated HPV Vaccination Awareness Intervention: A controlled, Quasi-Experimental Mixed Methods Study

“…Findings suggest the approach was effective in improving knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination. Participants reported that the intervention addressed gaps in knowledge related to men's susceptibility to HPV and the link between HPV and oral cancer, which have been shown in previous studies to be important gaps limiting HPV vaccination (53). Participants also described how increased knowledge led to improved con dence and inspired conversations about HPV vaccination with family and friends.…”