HPV Vaccination Intentions in Black Young Adults: Preliminary Data

Background: Genital Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has been linked to cancer in women and men. In comparison with their White counter parts, Black women had higher rates of HPV-associated vaginal cancer, but lower rates of vulvar and oropharyngeal cancer (CDC, 2016a). Black women also have a higher rate of deaths related to cervical cancer (CDC, 2016b).The population most affected by the HPV virus are individuals in their late teens and early 20s (CDC, 2017).

The incidence of HPV-related cancers can be eradicated by over 90%, with the proper utilization of the HPV vaccination (CDC, 2018). Research has shown that parents in the United States have concerns regarding vaccinations in general, and particularly the HPV vaccine. Therefore, many young men and women entering college have not received the HPV vaccination. College students can receive health care, such as vaccinations, without the necessity of parental consent. However, studies have shown that college students may not even be aware that there is an HPV vaccine, and that they should get vaccinated.

The review of the literature also found that the type of institution the students studied at, positivielly correlated with HPV vaccine uptake; and that there is a clear distinction for HPV-related health outcomes for individuals living in rural areas.

Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative study in HPV vaccine naïve, Black college students aged 18-24, enrolled in a minority serving institution (MSI) or historically black college/university (HBCU), is to assess perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and risk behavior factors (trust/mistrust, social influence, and prior sexual behavior) regarding intent to initiate and complete the HPV vaccination series.

Research question(s): The four questions: explore the relationship between HPV awareness and intent to be vaccinated; and explore whether the new policy decreasing the vaccine from 3 to 2 doses will affect vaccination intentions.

Design: A non-experimental cross-sectional.

Method(s): This proposed research study is a descriptive study to determine HPV vaccine intentions in vaccine naïve young Black college students. After IRB approval, male and female participants will be recruited from urban and rural HBCUs and MSIs. Participants will complete a demographic tool and 4 questionnaires. Preliminary data from the research dissertation will be presented in this study.

Analysis: Preliminary data analysis for this study will include descriptive analysis, chi square test, and logistic regression.