Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Knowledge, Prevalence, Risk Factors, and HPV Detection in 18-26 and 27-45-year-old Men and Women.

Abstract

The US Food and Drug Administration approved a supplemental application for HPV 9-valent vaccine for 27-45-year-old women and men. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices did not recommend catch-up vaccination of adults aged 27-45 years, but recognized that some adults who were not previously vaccinated may be at risk for new HPV infection and might benefit from vaccination in this age range. We decided to compare HPV vaccination knowledge, prevalence, risk factors, and history of HPV detection in cohorts with ages of 18-26 and 27-45 years. Men and women aged 18-45 years were asked to complete an anonymous internet survey about HPV infection and vaccination. Valid answers were received from 524 respondents. HPV vaccination rates were low (from 0.00 to 5.56%). All women aged 27-45 years bought the vaccine at their own cost and were vaccinated after sexual debut. Knowledge on existence of the HPV vaccine was better in women (P<0.01). The overall number of sexual partners was significantly higher in men and in persons aged 27-45 (P<0.05). Women aged 27-45 reported higher prevalence of unprotected vaginal and anal sex, a higher number of sexual partners, and lower HPV-related cancer awareness. Our study showed that better knowledge on HPV vaccination and HPV-related cancer awareness did not lead to higher HPV vaccination rates. A substantial number of individuals aged 27-45 years may benefit from HPV vaccination, and information on HPV vaccination should be actively disseminated by physicians and mass media.