HPV and HPV vaccine information among a national sample of college and university websites.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To describe the availability of human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine information accessible to college students via official college and university websites.

METHODS

A review and analysis of HPV and HPV vaccination information abstracted from a national sample (n = 214) of college/university websites. Three abstractors systematically evaluated quality and quantity of vaccination, sexual health, and HPV disease information from health service webpages.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of colleges/universities had designated student health service webpages (n = 181). Of these, 86% provided information on vaccinations, but less than 50% mentioned HPV or the HPV vaccine specifically and only 32% provided any HPV educational information. Colleges/university webpages that provide sexual health and or general vaccination information had higher odds of providing information on HPV and HPV vaccination.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurse practitioners who care for college-aged persons need to be cognizant of the many ways they can promote HPV vaccination. Providing accurate information about resources available at student health centers is a way to promote health on campus; the findings from this study indicate that HPV and HPV vaccine information may be lacking on many college/university websites.