Human Papillomavirus Perceptions, Vaccine Uptake, and Sexual Risk Factors in Students Attending a Large Public Midwestern University

Abstract

Background: It was to understand HPV vaccination patterns, uptake, perceptions, and sexual risk factors in students at a Midwest public university. Participants: Students were enrolled during the spring 2024 semester at the University of Iowa. Methods: A survey was developed and emailed to 28,095 students asking demographic, general and sexual health, and HPV-related questions. Results: The response rate was 4.9%, with 76% females and a median age of 22. The HPV vaccine uptake was 82%, with 88% recommending the vaccine. Parental preference was the main reason for being unvaccinated. The median age of sexual debut was 17 years, with a median of 2 sexual partners. Vaccination was associated with female, health science, sexually active, and COVID-19/influenza vaccinated students. Conclusions: HPV vaccine uptake at University of Iowa students is higher than the national and Iowa averages. Increased education regarding HPV vaccination is still needed, particularly in males, those not having sex, and those not receiving other vaccines.

Keywords: human papillomavirus; university students; vaccinations.

Figure 1

Comparison of sexual debut and HPV vaccination.

Figure 2

Comparison of those who have and have not had sex and their sexual orientation and sex assigned at birth.

Figure 3

Proportion of sexually active students based on current age by year from 18–29 years then by decade for 30, 40, 50, and 60 years and sex assigned at birth.