Multilevel correlates for human papillomavirus vaccination of adolescent girls attending safety net clinics

BackgroundAdolescent HPV vaccination in minority and low income populations with high cervical cancer incidence and mortality could reduce disparities. Safety-net primary care clinics are a key delivery site for improving vaccination rates in these populations.PurposeTo examine prevalence of HPV initiation (≥1 dose), completion (receipt of dose 3 within 12 months of initiation), and receipt of 3 doses in four safety-net clinics as well as individual-, household-, and clinic-level correlates of initiation.MethodsWe used multilevel modeling to investigate HPV initiation among 700 adolescent females who sought primary care in four safety-net clinics in Dallas, Texas from March 2007 to December 2009. Data were abstracted from patients’ paper and electronic medical records.ResultsHPV vaccine uptake varied significantly by clinic. Across clinics, initiation was 36.6% and completion was 39.7% among those who initiated. In the total study population, only 15.7% received all three doses. In multivariate, two-level logistic regression analyses, initiation was associated with receipt of other adolescent vaccines, influenza vaccination in the year prior to data abstraction, being sexually active, and having more chart documentation (presence of health maintenance questionnaire and/or immunization record). There was no association between initiation and age, race/ethnicity, or insurance status.ConclusionsIn four urban safety-net clinics, HPV initiation rates paralleled 2008 national rates. The correlation of HPV initiation with other adolescent vaccines underscores the importance of reviewing vaccination status at every health care visit. HPV vaccine uptake in safety-net clinics should continue to be monitored to understand impact on cervical cancer disparities.

► We used multi-level modeling to examine correlates of HPV vaccination.
► Patient-, household-, and clinic-level characteristics were explored.
► Vaccines (Tdap, MCV4, flu) and chart documentation were associated with initiation.
► Patient age, race/ethnicity, & insurance status were not associated with initiation.
► Safety-net clinics may be a key delivery site to address cervical cancer disparities.