Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of six cancers. Despite effective vaccines, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal, standing at 26% of females and 9% of males, nationally in 2018. This study assessed factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake among patients at Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) STI Specialty Clinics. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two CDPH STI Clinics. Of 332 surveys collected, 246 were analyzed after excluding individuals missing HPV vaccination data or under 18 years of age. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to examine associations between HPV vaccination and sociodemographic factors, adjusting for sex, age, education, and sexual orientation. HPV vaccination prevalence was higher among individuals assigned female-at-birth (65%) than male (46%). Male participants had a 36% lower prevalence of HPV vaccination compared to female at participants (adjusted PR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47-0.86). Age was inversely associated with HPV vaccination as the proportion of vaccination decreased with older age groups. Individuals with a high school education or less had a 37% lower prevalence of vaccination compared to individuals with a college degree or higher (aPR: 0.63 (0.40-0.99)). Individuals identifying as bisexual had a 18% higher and those identifying as gay or lesbian had a 51% higher prevalence of vaccination compared to heterosexual individuals ( aPR: 1.18(0.84-1.66), 1.51(1.07-2.12)). CDPH should prioritize HPV vaccination among individuals assigned male at-birth, aged 25 and older, with high school education or less, and reduce the coverage gap between heterosexual patients and those of a sexual minority.
Kadubek et al. (Tue,) studied this question.