Factors related to human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and intentions among adults aged 18-26 and 27-45 years in the United States: A cross-sectional study

Cancer. 2023 Apr 15;129(8):1237-1252. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34680. Epub 2023 Feb 9.

Abstract

Background: The current study examined self-reported human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake and intentions, and associations with psychosocial constructs among United States adults aged 18 to 26 and 27 to 45 years.

Methods: Data were collected via an online survey from participants recruited from a research panel. Outcomes were HPV vaccination uptake and intentions. Multivariable binary and ordered logistic regression models were used to examine associations between HPV vaccination outcomes and psychosocial constructs, sociodemographics, and previous health behaviors.

Results: HPV vaccination uptake in both age cohorts (N = 2722) was associated with multiple variables, including but not limited to: provider recommendation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 11.63 [95% CI, 7.70-17.56] and aOR, 14.26 [95% CI, 9.52-21.38], for those aged 18 to 26 and 27 to 45 years, respectively) and positive HPV vaccine attitudes (aOR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.70-3.40] and aOR, 1.46 [95% CI,1.06-2.02]). Among those who did not report or were unsure of prior HPV vaccination (N =1894), only 4.6% and 8.1% (aged 18-26 and 27-45 years, respectively) reported being very likely to receive the HPV vaccine in the next year. Increased intentions were associated with more positive vaccine attitudes (aOR, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.91-3.15] and aOR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.72-2.78]) and provider recommendation (yes vs no; aOR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.38-2.83] and aOR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.31-2.52]; don't know/can't remember vs no; aOR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.03-1.84] and aOR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.17-2.18]). Sociodemographics and health behaviors associated with increased intentions differed for each age cohort.

Conclusions: Individual and interpersonal factors were associated with HPV vaccination uptake and intentions. Findings reveal the need for targeted interventions to improve HPV vaccination rates among these age groups.

Keywords: HPV vaccine; adults; cancer prevention; human papillomavirus; intentions; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Human Papillomavirus Viruses
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vaccination / psychology

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines