Trends and predictors of HPV vaccination among U.S. College women and men

• Overall, HPV vaccination rates increased among college males and females from 2009 to 2013.
• Males who identified as gay had the most accelerated rate of increased vaccination.
• Younger college students were more likely to receive the HPV vaccine compared to older students.
• Findings can inform tailored HPV vaccine promotion activities for sub-groups with lower uptake.

BackgroundHPV vaccination was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for young adult females in 2006 and males in 2011 to prevent HPV-related cancers and genital warts. As this prevention mechanism continues to disseminate, it is necessary to monitor the uptake of this vaccine. College students represent an important population for HPV vaccination efforts and surveillance due to increased risk for HPV infection and representing a priority population for catch-up HPV vaccination. The purpose of this study was to assess the trends in HPV vaccination among U.S. college females and males from 2009 to 2013, and to examine whether predictors for HPV vaccination differ between males and females.MethodsThe National College Health Assessment-II (Fall 2009–2013) was used to assess trends in HPV vaccination using hierarchical logistic regression across genders and demographics. Data from 2013 were used to assess demographic variables associated with HPV vaccination for males and females, respectively. The analysis was conducted in 2015.ResultsFemales had nearly double the rates of HPV vaccination compared to males over time. All demographic sub-groups had significant increases in vaccine rates over time, with select male sub-groups having more accelerated increases (e.g., gay). Young age (18–21 vs. 22–26 years) was a significant predictor for HPV vaccination among males and females, while race/ethnicity was a predictor of vaccination among females only.ConclusionsThese findings identified specific demographic sub-groups that need continued support for HPV vaccination. Campus health centers may be rational settings to facilitate clinical opportunities for HPV vaccination among unvaccinated college students.