Attitudes About the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Patients With and Without Cervical Dysplasia.

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the study are to examine the perception of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among those with and without a history of cervical dysplasia and to examine perceptions of the vaccine for their children.

Materials and methods: Patients were recruited to complete a survey about the HPV vaccine for both themselves and their children. Patients in a colposcopy clinic with a history of abnormal cervical cytology and patients in a benign gynecology clinic without a history of abnormal cervical cytology were recruited. Participants' medical records were reviewed. Demographics and survey answers were described, and Fisher exact test was used to compare the groups.

Results: One hundred eighty-three patients participated: 73 in colposcopy clinic and 110 in benign clinic. The majority self-identified as Black (74% colposcopy, 71% benign, p = .588) and reported an income less than $39,000 a year (77% colposcopy, 65% benign, p = .089). Fifty-six percent in benign clinic agreed the HPV vaccine is a good way to protect oneself from disease compared with 48% in colposcopy clinic ( p = .022). When examining results based on cytology, fewer patients in the highest-grade cytology group agreed the vaccine was effective (30% high-grade, 48% normal, 57% low-grade, p = .027) or a good way to protect themselves from disease (29% high-grade, 53% normal, 62% low-grade, p = .002). There was otherwise no statistically significant difference between the groups on questions regarding self or child vaccination.

Conclusions: In a majority Black, low-income population, patients without a history of abnormal cervical cytology have more favorable perceptions of the HPV vaccine's effectiveness in preventing disease. Those with the highest-grade cytology had more negative perceptions of the vaccine's effectiveness and protectability.