Sociodemographic Factors Associated With HPV Awareness/Knowledge and Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Caregivers in the US

Background. Family caregivers may be at a higher risk for several chronic diseases including cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among U.S. women. Despite family caregivers’ vulnerability, the status of their HPV awareness, knowledge, and preventive health behaviors, including cervical cancer screening, have been understudied. Thus, this study aimed to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with HPV awareness and knowledge, and adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines among caregivers in the U.S. Methods. Nationally representative cross-sectional survey data were obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, 2017-2020). Only female caregivers, aged 21-65, were included (N= 834). Weighted multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with HPV awareness, knowledge, and adherence to the United States Preventive Service Task Force cervical cancer screening guidelines (by age, race/ethnicity, education, household income, marital status, employment status, and health insurance type). Results. Caregivers who were older (aged 51-65 vs. 21-50), were less educated (high school graduate or less vs. some college or more) showed lower adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines (every 3 years) than their counterparts. Caregivers who were older and less educated showed lower HPV awareness (Heard of HPV).Conclusions. There are caregiving populations whose HPV awareness, knowledge and cervical cancer screening adherence are low. To improve their awareness and knowledge of HPV and support their cervical cancer screening behaviors, we need to consider interventions that target those specific populations.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS THE HPV INFECTION AND IMMUNIZATION AMONG ROMANIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS

In Romania, cervical cancer is the second most frequent neoplasm among women of 15 to 44 years of age, mainly due to a lack of prevention efforts. The purpose of this study is to assess the current knowledge and attitude towards HPV infection and immunization among medical students. Such information is vital in order to properly assess the current shortcomings of our medical system in the struggle of lowering cancer incidence. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out in 2016 and in 2018 on a total of 1,133 participants (median age of 21.9 years, 572 students in 2016 and 562 in 2018). No statistical differences between males and females regarding knowledge of HPV vaccine were found (chi-square 0.046, df = 1, p = 0.83). Moreover, between the 2016 and the 2018 groups, no noticeable changes in HPV awareness and information were observed (2016: chi-square: 0.003, df = 1, p = 0.955; and 2018: chi-square: 0.061, df = 1, p = 0.805). Even though the participants have noted reliable media and medical staff as their main sources of information, our study revealed poor general knowledge, no improvement in perception, and a lack of prophylactic action.

Awareness of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection among Indigenous Males in North America and Oceania

We surveyed peer-reviewed literature on the awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among Indigenous males in North America and Oceania. Using keywords HPV plus male, men or boy, and ethnical filters such as Indigenous, Aboriginal or First Nations, we retrieved 47 articles based on titles of which we kept 14 after reading the abstracts. Reported HPV awareness was generally low in Indigenous males in North America with no peer-reviewed data from Oceania. The lower understanding by males compared to females was largely attributable to misconceptions about HPV-related diseases, their transmission, and prevention. Lack of awareness and concern toward the risk of contracting HPV infection in Indigenous males suggests an impediment in disseminating health information about this cancer-causing virus. Culturally sensitive education, with emphasis on Indigenous males, is needed to improve this group’s HPV knowledge. Researchers should also engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities by building rapport to achieve a positive change in attitude.

Are Men Being Left Behind (Or Catching Up)? Differences in HPV Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Between Diverse College Men and Women

The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes in regard to human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccination against HPV among college students. From 2015 to 2017, 386 diverse undergraduates were recruited from a south Florida university. A survey, part of which was researcher developed, of HPV awareness, knowledge, and attitudes was conducted. The majority (84%) of participants had heard of HPV, and 70% had favorable attitudes toward vaccination. Only 28% of men and 55% of women had received ≥1 dose vaccine ( p = .01), and 4% of all participants reported that they had received 3 doses. Those with ≥1 dose ( n = 123, 40.1%) were more knowledgeable about HPV ( p = .01). High knowledge scores were recorded for 30% of respondents and were strongly associated with HPV vaccine initiation among both men and women ( p < .001) and perceived knowledge among women only ( p < .001). Negative attitudes toward HPV vaccine acceptance were associated with low knowledge scores ( p = .01) and undervaccination ( p < .001). Vaccinated women ( n = 95) were over seven times more likely than were unvaccinated women ( n = 115) to report positive vaccine attitudes (relative risk = 7.1). HPV vaccination status was not associated with vaccine attitudes among men. HPV knowledge and vaccine uptake remain problematic among college students, and deficits in both are associated with negative HPV vaccine attitudes. Although the knowledge gap is narrowing, HPV vaccination efforts should target young men, as HPV-related cancer morbidity continues to rise in men.

Examining HPV Awareness, Sexual Behavior, and Intent to Receive the HPV Vaccine Among Racial/Ethnic Male College Students 18–27 years

Human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccination among males in the general population is low. Men in general, but particularly racial/ethnic men, are disproportionately affected by HPV. The purpose of this article is to examine college males’ (a) HPV awareness, (b) sexual behaviors, and (c) intention to receive the HPV vaccination. A non-probability sample of all students who self-reported their race/ethnicity and were attending a university in Southeastern United States were contacted by the university registrar’s office and recruited to participate in the 15-minute survey. Males, ages 18–27 years ( N = 190), were identified for this study. χ2, t-tests, and binomial logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between knowing about HPV and HPV vaccine and the intent to receive the HPV vaccination. Findings indicated that 67.4% of the sample identified as Hispanic or Black. Among all men, 73.2% reported previous sexual experience and 49.5% were currently sexually active. There were 79.5% who had previous knowledge about HPV and 55.8% had knowledge about the HPV vaccine; 71.1% of the sample did not intend to receive the vaccine. Hispanic and Black men were less likely to identify as virgins, more likely to be sexually active, and more likely to have sexual experiences at an earlier age compared to White, Asian, and other men. Men with previous HPV vaccine knowledge (28.4%) were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine compared to men who did not have previous knowledge about the vaccine (14.9%). Providing males with information about HPV, its transmission, and possible HPV-related outcomes may increase HPV vaccine uptake.