Human papillomavirus vaccine: knowledge and attitudes in two Appalachian Kentucky counties.
OBJECTIVE
A vaccine against common high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with cervical cancer risk was recently approved. We assessed women's acceptance of HPV vaccination for themselves and for adolescent girls, in an Appalachian population with cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates among the highest in the United States.


METHODS
We conducted a population-based, random-digit telephone survey of over 600 adult women residing in two Appalachian Kentucky counties. The analysis focused on questions of HPV vaccine acceptance, and their relationship to several factors.


RESULTS
The majority of women indicated an interest in HPV vaccination for themselves (85.2%), but they were less accepting of a vaccine being administrated to girls of ages 10-15 (67.6%). Women who were younger, lower-income and smokers were more likely to support vaccination.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a relatively high percentage of women found the HPV vaccination acceptable for their own use, there was less enthusiasm for supporting vaccination to girls. This finding is of concern since the vaccine is being recommended for adolescent girls and young women, prior to sexual initiation. Educational campaigns will be needed for a successful vaccine implementation.
Hopenhayn
Claudia
C
College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. cmhope0@uky.edu
Christian
Amy
A
Christian
W Jay
WJ
Schoenberg
Nancy E
NE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007629:Kentucky / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines