Assessing Adults Aged 18 to 45 Willingness to Take the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: A Quality Improvement Project

Authors

Keith D. Harris, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Family Practice

Advisor

Professor Dr. Nancy Reid, MHA, DHSc, PA-C

Abstract

Objectives:To evaluate if access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and education about the virus improve service members willingness to receive the vaccine during routine visits to a primary care clinic.

Methods: This was a performance improvement project. During a military unit Safety Stand Down training in February, 168 adult participants received a 30-minute presentation on HPV and the HPV vaccine. Attendees were asked to voluntarily complete a 7-question survey if they were between 18 to 45 years of age and to leave the completed survey in their seats. The project used a one-time intervention using a convenient sample.

Results: The majority (74.3%) of participants met the new age criteria (27 to 47 years of age) for the HPV vaccine. Self-reported vaccination rates were significantly lower (11.4%) than the national average (40% of women and 45% of men). The HPV vaccine is provided to military service members for free at their local military treatment facility. Despite having access to the vaccine, the individual’s willingness to receive the vaccine was low (25.7%).

Conclusions: The single intervention did not significantly increase willingness to receive the HPV vaccine

Recommended Citation

Harris KD. Assessing Adults Aged 18 to 45 Willingness to Take the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: A Quality Improvement Project. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(3).