Predictors of human papilloma virus vaccination uptake among female university students in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine provides a primary prevention opportunity to decrease the morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer. Turkey has not yet included it in the national immunization program, but it is commercially available. We aimed to explore the predictors of HPV vaccine uptake among female students in a university in Turkey. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted with 1,115 female students via a questionnaire assessing the sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination uptake, knowledge and attitudes towards HPV and related conditions. Results: 75.2% (n=838) of the participants reported hearing HPV vaccine and 17.9% (n=200) reported they had received at least one dose of HPV vaccine. The median knowledge score was 6 out of 10. Multivariate analysis showed that age (OR: 1.181; 95% CI 1.070-1.304), knowledge score (OR: 1.183; 95% CI 1.075-1.302), department (OR: 1.667; 95% CI 1.087- 2.557), sexual activity (OR: 2.384; 95% CI 1.596-3.561), and level of family income (OR: 3.205; 95% CI 2.066-4.970), were significantly associated with vaccination uptake. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the cost of HPV vaccines is an important barrier to equitable access to vaccines. Policies ensuring equitable access and raising awareness has the potential to promote the vaccination uptake among youth.