HPV vaccination, knowledge, and attitudes among young cervical cancer survivors in the Deep South

Although FDA approved for over 10 years, uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been slow, particularly among states in the Deep South with high cervical cancer incidence and mortality. The purpose of this study was to explore variables associated with cervical cancer among survivors who were age-eligible for the HPV vaccine and to assess HPV vaccination history, barriers, perceptions, and other associated behaviors within this cohort.

A mixed methods strategy was used for the study, first identifying eligible cervical cancer survivors from our institution and abstracting demographic and clinicopathologic medical record data. Twenty-three participants from this cohort then completed semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews regarding HPV vaccination participation, knowledge, and attitudes. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Of the 464 cervical cancer patients treated at our institution from 2011 to 2016, 137 (30%) were under age 40 at diagnosis. Seventy-seven women with invasive disease were identified (median age = 33 years), and 56% had been seen by a gynecologist within 5 years of diagnosis. Forty-six of these women met eligibility criteria for inclusion in the qualitative interview, of which 23 successfully completed (response rate = 50%). Of those interviewed, the majority (84%) reported current access to regular medical care. While 90.9% did not receive any doses of HPV vaccination, 78.3% stated they likely would have been vaccinated if it had it been recommended. Four major themes were identified within the interviews: HPV knowledge, vaccine acceptability, healthcare engagement, and provider communication.

Qualitative interviews revealed significant missed opportunities for prevention since most participants stated they would have been vaccinated if given the option. Substantial gaps in knowledge and mixed understanding HPV's association with cervical cancer were observed, demonstrating potential missed opportunities for education and communication between providers of multiple specialties and their patients.