HPV infection awareness and self-reported HPV vaccination coverage in female adolescent students in two German cities

F. Samkange-Zeeb, L. Spallek, S. J. Klug, H. Zeeb

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Low levels of human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and knowledge have been observed in the few studies conducted among school-going adolescents. Such data are lacking in Germany. To assess awareness of HPV and of vaccination status among girls attending grades 8-13 in Bremen and Bremerhaven, two German cities. Participants completed a questionnaire in school including questions on demographic characteristics, about HPV awareness and on vaccination status. We analysed the relationship between awareness of HPV, of vaccination status and vaccine uptake and several variables including age and migrant background using univariate and multi-variate logistic regression. Six hundred and thirty-two girls aged 12-20 years completed the questionnaire. 50 % had no awareness of HPV, 12 % reported being vaccinated against HPV and 57 % did not know whether or not they were vaccinated against HPV. In multivariate analyses, ever had sex was associated with awareness of HPV, and ever been to a gynaecologist with awareness of vaccination status. Our results may be an indication that female adolescents in Germany are not adequately informed and counselled about HPV and associated issues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1151-1156
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Community Health
Volume37
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • HPV awareness
  • Vaccination status

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