scholarly journals Knowledge and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Among College Students in South Carolina

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 117863371882507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salima Kasymova ◽  
Sayward E Harrison ◽  
Caroline Pascal
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
The United States ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Deep South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Hpv Knowledge ◽  
Increased Risk

Despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) remains prevalent in the United States, with late adolescence and early adulthood being periods of increased risk. Thus, targeting college-aged individuals for HPV prevention and vaccination promotion is critical—particularly in regions such as the Deep South where vaccination rates remain low. This study sought to examine awareness and knowledge of HPV as well as experiences and attitudes regarding HPV vaccination among college students in the Deep South. Specifically, we completed a cross-sectional survey of 256 undergraduate students from a large public university in South Carolina. Although a majority of participants were aware of HPV, significant knowledge gaps existed, particularly regarding prevention, symptoms, and consequences of HPV infection. Participants were also largely unaware of men’s susceptibility for negative HPV outcomes. Multivariate regression modeling was used to identify predictors of HPV knowledge, with results indicating that participants who were female and white, as well as those who were vaccinated, had higher levels of HPV knowledge. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive HPV education on college campuses and offer insights to priority populations that may be appropriate focuses of efforts to increase HPV knowledge and vaccination rates.

scholarly journals Exploring Condom Use Behaviors Among African American Adolescent Boys in the Deep South

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 155798832110090
Author(s):  
Jessica Thames Chambliss ◽  
Retta Evans ◽  
Anneliese Bolland ◽  
Martha S. Wingate ◽  
John M. Bolland
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Deep South ◽  
Adolescent Boys ◽  
African American Adolescent ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

Risky sexual behaviors among adolescents can increase adverse outcomes including unplanned pregnancy or contraction or transmission of disease. Adolescents who engage in risky sexual activities are at increased risk for adverse health and social outcomes compared to those who do not engage. Despite declines in adolescent pregnancy and birth rates, the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is steadily increasing among adolescents. Moreover, African American adolescent boys in the United States, specifically in the southeastern region are disproportionally at greater risk for STIs, and STI diagnosis within this population has increased over time, compared to their white counterparts. This study sought to identify factors associated with condom use among adolescent boys in the Deep South. Using data from the Mobile Youth Survey, a longitudinal adolescent community-based survey, this study assessed the relationship between personal, behavioral, and environmental factors and condom use among African American adolescent boys (14–19 years). Younger participants (14–15 and 16–17) were more likely to use a condom during the last sexual intercourse compared to older participants (18–19 years). High positive attachment to boy/girlfriend was associated with increased condom use. The number of sexual partners, age at their first sexual encounter, recent sexual behavior, and having an STI were also associated with increased condom use among participants. The study provides further insights into factors associated with condom use among African American adolescent boys and results can inform the development of sexual health interventions.

scholarly journals Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the upper Midwest, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schotthoefer ◽  
Kathryn Stinebaugh ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Claudia Munoz-Zanzi
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Forest Service ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concern

Abstract Background People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees in the United States. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, adherence to practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern for TBD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.32 [95% confidence intervals, 1.97–20.28]), a history of TBD diagnosis (aOR = 5.88 [1.41–24.55]), and older age (≥ 46 years) (aOR = 3.29 [1.00–10.84]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.

scholarly journals Sexual Health Variables and the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-138
Author(s):  
Victoria Barry ◽  
Shannon B. Myers ◽  
Amy E. Sgrenci ◽  
Megan Lavery ◽  
Deirdra Frum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Status Seeking

Recent strides have been made in developing vaccines to prevent contraction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is currently the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States. This study looked to investigate seven sexually relevant variables hypothesized to be related to a young woman's choice to receive the Gardasil® vaccine in order to prevent HPV contraction via a cross sectional survey. In a sample of 77 undergraduate women, we investigated the relationship between receipt of Gardasil® and the following variables: knowledge regarding HPV, relationship status, seeking gynecological services, having received an abnormal PAP smear, sexual activity status, number of sexual partners, and concern about contracting HPV. Logistical regression analysis and independent groups t-test revealed that none of these factors were related to actual receipt of the HPV vaccine in this sample. These results suggest the need for more research regarding potential practical barriers to HPV vaccination.

scholarly journals Vaccipack, A Mobile App to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake Among Adolescents Aged 11 to 14 Years: Development and Usability Study

JMIR Nursing ◽  
10.2196/19503 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e19503
Author(s):  
Anne M Teitelman ◽  
Emily F Gregory ◽  
Joshua Jayasinghe ◽  
Zara Wermers ◽  
Ja H Koo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine ◽  
Vaccination Rates

Background More than 90% of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers could be prevented by widespread uptake of the HPV vaccine, yet vaccine use in the United States falls short of public health goals. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the development, acceptability, and intention to use the mobile app Vaccipack, which was designed to promote uptake and completion of the adolescent HPV vaccine series. Methods Development of the mobile health (mHealth) content was based on the integrated behavioral model (IBM). The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to guide the app usability evaluation. App design utilized an iterative process involving providers and potential users who were parents and adolescents. App features include a vaccine-tracking function, a discussion forum, and stories with embedded messages to promote intention to vaccinate. Parents and adolescents completed surveys before and after introducing the app in a pediatric primary care setting with low HPV vaccination rates. Results Surveys were completed by 54 participants (20 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years and 34 parents). Notably, 75% (15/20) of adolescents and 88% (30/34) of parents intended to use the app in the next 2 weeks. Acceptability of the app was high among both groups: 88% (30/34) of parents and 75% (15/20) of adolescents indicated that Vaccipack was easy to use, and 82% (28/34) of parents and 85% (17/20) of adolescents perceived the app to be beneficial. Higher levels of app acceptability were found among parents with strong intentions to use the app (P=.09; 95% CI –2.15 to 0.15). Conclusions mHealth technology, such as Vaccipack, may be an acceptable and nimble platform for providing information to parents and adolescents and advancing the uptake of important vaccines.

scholarly journals Home Infusions for Inflammatory Bowel Disease are Safe: United States Experience and Patient Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharati Kochar ◽  
Yue Jiang ◽  
Wenli Chen ◽  
Yuting Bu ◽  
Edward L Barnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
States Experience

Abstract Background Home-infusions (HI) for biologic medications are an option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in the United States (US). We aimed to describe the population receiving HI and report patient experience with HI. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Quintiles-IMSLegacy PharMetrics Adjudicated Claims Database from 2010-2016 to describe the population receiving infliximab and vedolizumab HI and determine predictors for an urgent/emergent visit post-HI. We then administered a cross-sectional survey to IBD-Partners Internet-based cohort participants to assess knowledge and experience with infusions. Results We identified claims for 11,892 conventional infliximab patients, 1,573 home infliximab patients, 438 conventional vedolizumab patients and 138 home vedolizumab patients. There were no differences in demographics or median charges with infliximab home and conventional infusions. Home vedolizumab infusions had a greater median charge than conventional vedolizumab infusion. Less than 4% of patients had an urgent/emergent visit post-HI. Charlson comorbidity index >0 (OR:1.95, 95% CI:1.01-3.77) and Medicaid (OR:3.01, 95%CI:1.53-5.94) conferred significantly higher odds of urgent/emergent visit post-HI. In IBD-Partners, 644 IBD patients responded; 56 received HI. The majority chose HI to save time and preferred HI to conventional infusions. Only 2 patients reported an urgent/emergent visit for HI-related problems. Conclusions HI appears to be safe in IBD patients receiving infliximab and vedolizumab. However, patients with fewer resources and more co-morbidities are at increased risk for an urgent/emergent visit post-HI. The overall patient experience with HI is positive. Expansion of HI may result in decreased therapy-related logistic burden for carefully selected patients.

scholarly journals Cross-Sectional Study on Perceptions Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Female Patients in Rural Taiwan

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 14-14
Author(s):  
Ruixuan J. Zhang ◽  
Madeline Bach ◽  
Julia Yip ◽  
Athena Lin
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
The United States ◽  
Asian Women ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Papanicolaou Smears

PURPOSE Cervical cancer remains the eighth leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Taiwan. Despite availability of a National Health Insurance program with free yearly screenings, Papanicolaou testing and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates have been historically low in Taiwan. Even in the United States, cervical cancer screening rates for Asian women are significantly lower than other ethnic groups. The goal is to direct future interventions by providing insight on barriers leading to low screening and vaccination rates among Taiwanese and Asian women. METHODS Anonymous surveys without patient identifiers were randomly administered to patients at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Hualien City in June 2018. Inclusion criterion was females. No exclusion criteria were defined. Participants provided written consent. Sixty-three completed surveys were received. A χ2 test was used to determine statistical significance (α = 0.05). RESULTS Formal education level correlated with increased knowledge of HPV ( P = .001), its route of transmission ( P = .044), its link to genital cancer ( P = .0024), and HPV vaccination ( P = .0039). Women were more likely to have Papanicolaou smears if they were older than 30 years of age ( P = .0033), visited the gynecologist ( P < .001), or were recommended one by their physicians ( P < .001). Although 57% of respondents knew of the HPV vaccine, only 19% were vaccinated. Among those not vaccinated, most cited reasons included an inability to find a physician providing it (23.5%), safety concerns (16.4%), belief that it encourages sexual behavior (14.5%), and high out-of-pocket expense (9.1%). CONCLUSION Knowledge of HPV does not predict a higher adherence to cervical screening guidelines. Instead, diligent physician recommendations on Papanicolaou smears can elevate adherence rates among patients. Significant contributors to low HPV vaccination rates in rural Taiwan include lack of awareness and access to the vaccine. Our study emphasizes the physician-patient relationship as a means to target vulnerable populations and increase rates of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination.

scholarly journals Investigating Mental Health of US College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

10.2196/22817 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. e22817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaomei Wang ◽  
Sudeep Hegde ◽  
Changwon Son ◽  
Bruce Keller ◽  
Alec Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
College Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
The Impact

Background Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has generally increased levels of stress and depression among the public. However, the impact on college students in the United States has not been well-documented. Objective This paper surveys the mental health status and severity of depression and anxiety of college students in a large university system in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students recruited from Texas A&M University via email. The survey consisted of two standardized scales—the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the General Anxiety Disorder-7—for depression and anxiety, and additional multiple-choice and open-ended questions regarding stressors and coping mechanisms specific to COVID-19. Results Among the 2031 participants, 48.14% (n=960) showed a moderate-to-severe level of depression, 38.48% (n=775) showed a moderate-to-severe level of anxiety, and 18.04% (n=366) had suicidal thoughts. A majority of participants (n=1443, 71.26%) indicated that their stress/anxiety levels had increased during the pandemic. Less than half of the participants (n=882, 43.25%) indicated that they were able to cope adequately with the stress related to the current situation. Conclusions The proportion of respondents showing depression, anxiety, and/or suicidal thoughts is alarming. Respondents reported academic-, health-, and lifestyle-related concerns caused by the pandemic. Given the unexpected length and severity of the outbreak, these concerns need to be further understood and addressed.

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