Human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge, beliefs, and vaccine uptake among United States and international college students

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine, college student’s beliefs toward HPV, and HPV vaccine uptake between US and international college students studying in the US. Participants: The study was conducted using a sample (N = 588) of college students from a university in the South Central US. Methods: Study measures was derived from previously validated measures. Data were collected via an online survey using Qualtrics. Results: Significant differences were found in HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, and HPV vaccine uptake between US and international college students. Conclusion: This study showed existing disparities between US and international college students regarding HPV and HPV vaccine awareness, and HPV vaccine uptake. College health centers can play a crucial role in raising awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination rates by organizing various intervention programs to reduce these disparities.

Keywords:

• College students
• HPV knowledge
• HPV vaccine
• human papillomavirus
• international students

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the USA and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of The University of Oklahoma.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript. This work was supported by the University of Oklahoma Robberson Grant.