HPVs Vaccination among Racial/Ethnic Minority College Students: Current Status and Future Direction

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8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: College is an important period for catch-up vaccination for Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs), but HPVs vaccination rates are low among college students. Given that racial/ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by HPVs-related cancers, the aim of the present study is to conduct a scoping review about HPVs and HPVs vaccination conducted among racial/ethnic minority college students. Specifically, we examined: 1) the prevalence of HPVs vaccination among racial/ethnic minority college students in the US and 2) the correlates of HPVs vaccination or vaccination intention/interest. Methods: We searched three database (PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) for relevant articles. Of 58 articles initially identified, 23 articles met all inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results: Racial/ethnic minority college women (especially Black and Asian/Pacific Islander) were less likely to be vaccinated compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Racial/ethnic minority college men reported lower knowledge of HPVs and HPVs vaccination compared with their women counterparts. However, overall, a majority of racial/ethnic minority college students appeared to have high knowledge about HPVs and intention to vaccinate. Age, doctor recommendation, and psychosocial and cultural factors (e.g., HPVs/HPVs vaccine knowledge, perceived benefits of vaccination, social norms and values, mistrust of health care providers, and cultural norms) were associated with vaccination and individuals’ intention to be vaccinated. Discussion: Significant racial/ethnic disparities in HPVs vaccination exist among both college men and women. Interventions to increase vaccine awareness, access, and uptake among racial/ethnic minority college students are lacking and warranted. Interventions targeting only knowledge and/or intention might not be sufficient. Theory-based studies that examine unique factors involved in vaccine uptake during college across multiple levels of influence including psychosocial, provider, health care, and culture are needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)639-649
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of the National Medical Association
Volume112
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2020

Keywords

  • College
  • HPVs
  • Human papillomavirus
  • Minority
  • University
  • Vaccination

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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