Three-dose HPV vaccine completion among sexual and gender minority young adults at a Boston community health center.

BACKGROUND

Disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination completion have been noted among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. Little is known about factors associated with HPV vaccination among SGM people. This study examines factors linked with completion of HPV vaccination among SGM patients.

METHODS

We collected cross-sectional data from electronic health records (EHRs) of SGM patients receiving primary care at a Boston community health center specialized in SGM health. We employed a binomial logistic regression model to identify factors associated with 3-dose HPV vaccine completion.

RESULTS

Patients were 70.3% white, with mean age of 26.3 years (SD = 2.48), 26.9% identifying as gender minorities and 79% as sexual minorities, 48.9% with 4-year college or graduate degrees, 59.4% employed, 65.9% with private insurance, 39.1% living at or below the federal poverty level, and 8.3% living with HIV. Seventy-seven percent of patients who were offered HPV vaccination had completed the series. Factors significantly associated with HPV vaccine completion included: 4-year college or graduate degree (OR: 2.87; 95% CI = 1.26-6.53), completion of primary care appointments (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), Hepatitis A or B vaccine completion (OR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.2-5.59), and visits for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screen (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03-1.43).

CONCLUSION

Vaccine completion was higher among SGM with higher levels of education, Hepatitis A or B vaccination, and completed health visits. These findings highlight potential ways to increase HPV vaccination, such as offering tailored HPV vaccine education, bundling with other vaccines, and incorporating HPV vaccination with STI screenings.