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Human papillomavirus vaccine: knowledge and attitudes in two Appalachian Kentucky counties

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Abstract

Objective

A vaccine against common high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with cervical cancer risk was recently approved. We assessed women’s acceptance of HPV vaccination for themselves and for adolescent girls, in an Appalachian population with cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates among the highest in the United States.

Methods

We conducted a population-based, random-digit telephone survey of over 600 adult women residing in two Appalachian Kentucky counties. The analysis focused on questions of HPV vaccine acceptance, and their relationship to several factors.

Results

The majority of women indicated an interest in HPV vaccination for themselves (85.2%), but they were less accepting of a vaccine being administrated to girls of ages 10–15 (67.6%). Women who were younger, lower-income and smokers were more likely to support vaccination.

Conclusions

Although a relatively high percentage of women found the HPV vaccination acceptable for their own use, there was less enthusiasm for supporting vaccination to girls. This finding is of concern since the vaccine is being recommended for adolescent girls and young women, prior to sexual initiation. Educational campaigns will be needed for a successful vaccine implementation.

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Ron Langley, PhD, Director of the University of Kentucky Survey Research Center. Financial support was provided through the University of Kentucky by a Research Support Grant from the Office of the Vice President for Research, and by the College of Public Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Claudia Hopenhayn

  2. Markey Cancer Control Program, University of Kentucky, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite B100, Lexington, KY, USA

    Claudia Hopenhayn, Amy Christian & W. Jay Christian

  3. Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Nancy E. Schoenberg

Authors
  1. Claudia Hopenhayn
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  2. Amy Christian
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  3. W. Jay Christian
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  4. Nancy E. Schoenberg
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Correspondence to Claudia Hopenhayn.

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Hopenhayn, C., Christian, A., Christian, W.J. et al. Human papillomavirus vaccine: knowledge and attitudes in two Appalachian Kentucky counties. Cancer Causes Control 18, 627–634 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-007-9007-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-007-9007-7

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