title: Dispelling the myth: Exploring associations between the HPV vaccine and inconsistent condom use among college students.
abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is safe and effective in preventing anogenital cancers and warts. However, myths have surrounded the HPV vaccine since its approval, including the possibility that HPV vaccinated young people are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between HPV vaccination and engaging in inconsistent condom use in a sample of U.S. college students. A secondary data analysis of the National College Health Assessment-II (Fall 2013) was conducted in 2015. Risky sexual activity was operationalized as inconsistent condom use for oral, vaginal or anal sexual activity. Logistic regression models were stratified by sexual activity and gender, and controlled for socio-demographics and history of STIs. Inconsistent condom use was reported among females for vaginal (47%), oral (94%), and anal sex (75%); while males reported levels of inconsistency for vaginal (38%), oral (94%), and anal sex (58%). Sixty-nine percent of females reported receiving the HPV vaccine compared to 43% of males. Among females, there was no significant association between HPV vaccination and inconsistent condom use in any of the sexual activities. Among males, there was no significant association between HPV vaccination and inconsistent condom use in oral or vaginal sex. HPV-vaccinated males were less likely to report inconsistent condom use during anal sexual activity. This study contributes to the increasing evidence that HPV vaccination is not associated with risky sexual behavior. Dispelling this myth is important to facilitate uptake and completion of the HPV vaccine in the U.S.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: cvazquez@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Coralia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vázquez-Otero
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: ethomps1@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Erika L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: edaley@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Ellen M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Daley
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: staceygriner@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Stacey B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Griner
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: logan23@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: cvamos@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Cheryl A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Vamos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines
keywords: College students; HPV vaccine; Inconsistent condom use; Risky sexual behaviors