Predictors of Human Papilloma VirusVaccination Uptake among Female UniversityStudents in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine provides a primary preventionopportunity to decrease the morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer. Turkey has notyet 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 auniversity in Turkey. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted with 1,115 female students viaa 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 scorewas 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 toequitable access to vaccines. Policies ensuring equitable access and raising awareness hasthe potential to promote the vaccination uptake among youth.