Factors Associated With Self-Reported Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake Among Patients at Chicago Sexually...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of 6 cancers. Despite effective vaccines, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal, standing at 26% of females and 9% of males, nationally in 2018. This study assessed factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake among patients at Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) sexually transmitted infection specialty clinics.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 2 CDPH sexually transmitted infection clinics. Of 332 surveys collected, 246 were analyzed after excluding individuals missing HPV vaccination data or those younger than 18 years. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to examine associations between HPV vaccination and sociodemographic factors, adjusting for sex, age, education, and sexual orientation.

Human papillomavirus vaccination prevalence was higher among individuals assigned female at birth (65%) than male (46%). Male participants had a 36% lower prevalence of HPV vaccination compared with female participants (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.86). Age was inversely associated with HPV vaccination as the proportion of vaccination decreased with older age groups. Individuals with a high school education or less had a 37% lower prevalence of vaccination compared with individuals with a college degree or higher (aPR, 0.63 [0.40-0.99]). Individuals identifying as bisexual had a 18% higher, and those identifying as gay or lesbian had a 51% higher prevalence of vaccination compared with heterosexual individuals (aPR, 1.18 [0.84-1.66]; 1.51 [1.07-2.12]).

The CDPH should prioritize HPV vaccination among individuals assigned male at birth, aged 25 years and older, and with high school education or less, and reduce the coverage gap between heterosexual patients and those of a sexual minority.