Investigating the Beliefs and Knowledge of Female Midwestern College Students Regarding the HPV Vaccine

Background:

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV that goes untreated can cause serious health problems such as, genital warts, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and cervical cancer. While there have been advances in the prevention of HPV, many young women still are not vaccinated. This study aimed to identify the determinants that influence college-aged women (age18-24 years old) in the Midwest to become vaccinated or to decide to not receive the vaccination.

Methods:

Surveys were distributed to 500 female undergraduate students at a public university in the Midwest. These surveys measured the beliefs, current knowledge level, and attitudes towards the HPV vaccination. Participants also indicated if they have received the vaccination or plan to receive the vaccination.

Results:

The findings indicate that female students who were aware of the benefits of the vaccination were more likely to become vaccinated. The study also indicated that female students who knew someone with HPV were also more likely to become vaccinated. 

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the importance of educating young women on the benefits of the HPV vaccination. Based on the results from this study, if more women were aware of the benefits of the HPV vaccination, they would be more likely to receive it.