Influencers and preference predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among US male and female young adult college students.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of male and female college students in Kentucky about HPV associated diseases and vaccines, and to determine which parameters predicted self-reported uptake of HPV vaccination.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
A self-selected cross-sectional sample of college students completed an evidence-based online survey.


RESULTS
Of approximately 1200 potential respondents, 585 completed the survey. The average age was 20.6 (SD 3.15) and 78% were female; 84% of the population had had one or more sexual partners. Concern for HPV vaccine safety and potential need for boosters did not significantly deter vaccine uptake. Likewise, knowledge about HPV associated cancers was not predictive of vaccine uptake. On the other hand, parental influence for vaccination was a strong predictor for vaccine uptake (aOR = 5.32, 2.71-13.03), and free vaccine nearly doubled the likelihood of being vaccinated (aOR 1.90, 1.05-3.41). In addition, the strong preference for the respondent's partner to be HPV vaccinated predicted vaccine uptake (aOR = 4.04, 95% CI: 2.31-7.05), but the lack of preference for partner vaccination predicted an unvaccinated self (aOR = 0.50, 0.27-0.93).


CONCLUSIONS
HPV vaccination has been successful in young adult college students in Kentucky. Young adults prefer their partners to be HPV vaccinated regardless of whether they themselves are vaccinated. Parental influence and free vaccine were positive predictors for vaccine uptake in this population.
['LaJoie|A Scott|AS|', 'Kerr|Jelani C|JC|', 'Clover|Richard D|RD|', 'Harper|Diane M|DM|']
D000328:Adult D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005260:Female D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006801:Humans D008297:Male D030361:Papillomavirus Infections D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines D010290:Parents D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care D000067074:Peer Influence D012747:Sexual Partners D013334:Students D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014495:Universities D014611:Vaccination D000073887:Vaccination Coverage D055815:Young Adult
Preferences HPV vaccine Young adults Knowledge Safety