HPV knowledge, vaccine knowledge, and vaccine acceptance in women with cervical cytology anomalies attending colposcopy clinics in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE

To assess HPV knowledge as well as knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccines.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study surveyed women with cervical cytology anomalies referred to colposcopy clinics at the University of Puerto Rico and San Juan City Hospital between November 1, 2013, and November 30, 2015. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of 418 participants, 333 had heard of HPV. Of these, 273 of 331 (82.5%) knew it causes cervical cancer and 284 of 332 (85.8%) knew it is sexually transmitted; 313 were aware of the vaccine(s). Of 278 participants, 270 (97.1%) were willing to vaccinate their children and 125 of 285 (43.9%) desired vaccination. Only 13 (10.9%) of 119 age-eligible women had been vaccinated. Women who had completed high school had increased odds of having heard of HPV (adjusted OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.4; P=0.014), with a similar increase in the odds of having heard of the vaccine(s). Women who knew about HPV had greatly increased odds of knowing about the vaccine(s) (adjusted OR 19.7, 95% CI 9.8-41.6).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine(s) was high, but vaccine uptake was low in the study population. Physicians' active roles in HPV education and vaccination are crucial.