A Cross-Sectional Survey on HPV Vaccination in a Houston HIV Clinic

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and causes cervical cancer in women. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are particularly susceptible to this virus. An effective vaccine against high-risk HPV genotypes is available. This study sought to evaluate barriers to HPV vaccination in HIV-positive female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 in a county clinic in Houston. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May-June 2025 with 131 patients at Thomas Street Health Center in Houston. The survey assessed patient demographics, attitudes toward and knowledge of HPV vaccination (at least one dose), as well as self-reported cervical dysplasia and HPV infection history. Clinical data on available cervical dysplasia history were also gathered from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics were compiled, and comparisons between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants were performed using one-way analysis of variance for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables in R. Results: 75% of patients had prior knowledge of the HPV vaccine, but only 33% reported receiving at least one dose. The most common reason for not receiving the vaccine was never having been offered the vaccine by a provider. Separately, almost 40% of unvaccinated individuals had never heard of the vaccine. Of note, only 8.6% of respondents reported fully understanding the implications of vaccination and still choosing to decline. In this cross-sectional study, there was no statistically significant association between vaccination status and either recent dysplasia history in the electronic record or reported dysplasia or HPV infection history. Among eligible unvaccinated participants, 41% received the HPV vaccine after completing the survey. Conclusions: Addressing gaps in HPV vaccine communication and supporting clinicians in delivering confident counseling may improve vaccination rates in this at-risk population.