Reported rationales for HPV vaccination vs. Non-vaccination among undergraduate and medical students in South Carolina

Objective: We sought to identify factors that influence Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in individuals at two higher education institutions in South Carolina (SC). Participants: We surveyed 1007 students with a mean age and standard deviation of 20.3 +/- 3.3 from September 2018 to December 2018. Methods: Participants answered 13 questions, assessing HPV vaccination rates, demographics, and rationales for vaccination vs. non-vaccination. Results: Of 1007 respondents, 700 received HPV vaccination, 165 were unvaccinated, 75 received partial vaccination and 138 were uncertain. Commonalities in HPV vaccination existed between females (p = 0.037), individuals who received standard childhood vaccinations (p = 0.04), and those not native-born in SC (p < 0.001). Of non-vaccinated individuals, 37% never thought about vaccination, 32% did not perceive a need for vaccination, and 31% reported vaccine safety as reasons for not receiving the vaccine. Conclusions: Promotion of HPV vaccination may benefit from targeting SC natives, males, and individuals who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Automated summary

Factors influencing HPV vaccination rates in two higher education institutions in South Carolina include gender, history of childhood vaccinations, and nativity in SC. Reasons for non-vaccination include lack of consideration for vaccination, perceived lack of necessity, and concerns about vaccine safety.