Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2013 Feb;44(2):154-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.09.061.

Geographic variability in human papillomavirus vaccination among U.S. young women

Feifei Wei  1 , Page C Moore, Angela L Green
Affiliations

Geographic variability in human papillomavirus vaccination among U.S. young women

Feifei Wei et al. Am J Prev Med. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Little information is available on geographic disparity of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among women aged 18-26 years in the U.S. Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. Persistent HPV infection with oncogenic types can cause cervical cancer.

Purpose: This study utilized data collected from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). It identified geographic variability and other factors contributing to the disparities in HPV vaccine series initiation in a nationally representative sample of women aged 18-26 years.

Methods: The study utilized data collected from 1867 women who participated in the Cancer Control Module Supplement of the 2012 NHIS. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess characteristics associated with initiation of the HPV series. Analyses were performed in 2012.

Results: After adjusting for other characteristics, women living in the West and North Central/Midwest had 54% and 20% greater odds of initiating the HPV series, respectively, compared with those living in the Northeast. Other factors associated with HPV series initiation were younger age, Hispanic background, being single/never married, childlessness, a history of HPV, and current alcohol use. Factors correlated with failure to initiate the HPV series were: not having insurance, living below the 200% poverty level, not being a high school graduate, not currently using hormone-based birth control, most recent Pap >1 year ago, no regular provider, last clinic visit ≥12 months ago, and never having received the hepatitis B vaccine.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate disparity in HPV vaccine uptake by region of residence in the U.S. among young women. Further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to this geographic disparity. Evaluation of vaccination policies and practices associated with higher coverage regions might help characterize effective methods to improve HPV vaccination among women aged 18-26 years.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W., Jr Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on sexual and reproductive health. 2004;36:6–10. - PubMed
    1. Markowitz LE, Dunne EF, Saraiya M, et al. Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) MMWR Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report Recommendations and reports / CDC. 2007;56:1–24. - PubMed
    1. CDC. National and state vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13 through 17 years—U.S., 2010. MMWR Morbidity and mortality weekly report. 2011;60:1117–1123. - PubMed
    1. CDC. Adult vaccination coverage—U.S., 2010. MMWR Morbidity and mortality weekly report. 2012;61:66–72. - PubMed
    1. Bednarczyk RA, Birkhead GS, Morse DL, Doleyres H, McNutt LA. Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and barriers: association with perceived risk, actual risk and race/ethnicity among female students at a New York State university, 2010. Vaccine. 2011;29:3138–3143. - PubMed

Publication types

Substances