BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine individual-level, partner-level, and sexual networking factors associated with vaccine- and non-vaccine-type human papillomavirus (HPV) in young women, by vaccination status.

METHODS

Sexually experienced women 13 to 26 years old (n = 784) completed a survey and were tested for 36 HPV genotypes. We determined factors associated with 4-valent vaccine-type HPV (HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18) and non-vaccine-type HPV among vaccinated and unvaccinated women, using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Participants' mean age was 19.2 years, 77.7% had received ≥1 vaccine dose, and 7.7% were positive for vaccine-type HPV (HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and/or HPV-18). Factors associated with vaccine-type HPV in vaccinated women included gonorrhea history (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.71), new female sex partner(s) (AOR, 4.79), age at vaccination (≥15 vs. <15 years; AOR, 2.47), and age discordance with most recent partner (don't know vs. discordant; AOR, 9.17). Factors associated with non-vaccine-type HPV in vaccinated women included history of sexually transmitted infection (AOR, 2.69), male most recent partner (AOR, 2.85), age of first sex (AOR, 1.15), and partner concurrency (don't know vs. 1 other partner; AOR, 2.03). Factors associated with vaccine-type HPV in unvaccinated women included new female sex partner(s) (AOR, 7.45) and partner concurrency (don't know vs. no; AOR, 2.95). Factors associated with non-vaccine-type HPV in unvaccinated women included race (White vs. multiracial; AOR, 4.10) and partner concurrency (don't know vs. 0; AOR, 4.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Novel findings of this study, including associations between female sex partners and HPV, and between not knowing about partner concurrency and HPV, have implications for sexual education, clinical counseling, and public health interventions.