title: Sex differences among college students in awareness of the human papillomavirus vaccine and vaccine options.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and use of HPV vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) by college students.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample was composed of 817 undergraduates at 2 northeastern US universities; they participated between February and May 2010.
  
  
  METHODS
  Students were provided with a link to an anonymous, self-administered, Web-based survey comprised of 76 questions. The survey included questions about health behaviors, awareness, and knowledge of HPV and the 2 HPV vaccines, and vaccine uptake.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results indicate high levels of awareness of HPV as well as marked sex differences related to vaccine awareness and uptake. Both sexes are largely unaware of Cervarix and the differences between Cervarix and Gardasil.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study affirms the importance of a clinician's recommendation for HPV vaccination. Public health messaging should become more inclusive of adolescent and young adult males. College students' awareness of HPV vaccine options mirrors Gardasil's market dominance in the United States.
authors.affiliation: a Health Department, State University of New York at Cortland , Cortland , New York.
authors.forename: Sarah C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Beshers
authors.forename: Jill M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Brian V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Fix
authors.forename: Martin C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Mahoney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000276:immunology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: community health; gender; health education