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Knowledge, Perceptions, and Motivations Related to HPV Vaccination Among College Women

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Abstract

Little research exists on the factors that affect the uptake patterns of the recently developed Gardasil® vaccine among young women. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of 18–24-year-old female students (n = 1,975) were assessed via an electronic survey. Mean HPV knowledge score, on a 10-point scale, was 6.8. A weak positive correlation (r (1,976) = 0.123, p < 0.001) was found between knowledge score and having received the vaccine. Parent recommendation, doctor recommendation, and perceiving the consequences of HPV as severe and prevalent were strongly related to previous vaccination. Data suggest a need for increased education about the vaccine and the importance of physician recommendation in increasing vaccine uptake.

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Correspondence to Rachel M. Mayo.

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This study was supported by the Clemson University Calhoun Honors College Departmental Honors Grant and the Clemson University Department of Public Health Sciences Mary Lohr Fund.

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Bendik, M.K., Mayo, R.M. & Parker, V.G. Knowledge, Perceptions, and Motivations Related to HPV Vaccination Among College Women. J Canc Educ 26, 459–464 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0200-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0200-8

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