Factors Associated with Intention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Initiation Among Females With and Without a History of Childhood Cancer.

Vaccination is available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) types that cause cervical and other cancers. This study aimed to describe and compare vaccine intention among young females with and without a cancer history, in addition to identifying factors associated with a HPV vaccination intention. Vaccine-naïve females (aged 18-26 years, n = 120) and maternal caregivers with vaccine-naïve daughters (aged 9-17 years, n = 197) completed surveys querying HPV vaccination intention, HPV knowledge, and communication, along with sociodemographic, medical, and health belief factors. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for HPV vaccination intention. No differences in vaccine intention were identified across cancer and comparison groups. Vaccine intention and predictors of intention among vaccine-naïve females differ by age, and there is variation in the factors which influence vaccine intention by age group. These results suggest interventions should be tailored based on developmental level.

Risk factors for non-initiation of the human papillomavirus vaccine among adolescent survivors of childhood cancer.

Effective vaccination is now available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection and cause of cervical cancer. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV vaccination among childhood cancer survivors and identify factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation and completion. Mothers of daughters of ages 9 to 17 years with/without a history of childhood cancer (n = 235, Mage = 13.2 years, SD = 2.69; n = 70, Mage = 13.3 years, SD = 2.47, respectively) completed surveys querying HPV vaccination initiation and completion along with sociodemographic, medical, HPV knowledge and communication, and health belief factors, which may relate to vaccination outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors that associate with HPV vaccination initiation and completion. Among cancer survivors, 32.6% initiated and 17.9% completed the three-dose vaccine series, whereas 34.3% and 20.0% of controls initiated and completed, respectively. Univariate analyses indicated no differences between cancer/no cancer groups on considered risk factors. Among all participants, multivariate logistic regression analyses found vaccine initiation associated with older age of daughter and physician recommendation, whereas increased perceived barriers associated with a decreased likelihood of initiation (all P < 0.05). Among those having initiated, risk factors for noncompletion included being non-White, increased perceived severity of HPV, and increased perceived barriers to vaccination (all P < 0.05). A minority of adolescents surviving childhood cancer has completed vaccination despite their increased risk for HPV-related complication. These results inform the prioritization of strategies to be included in vaccine promotion efforts.