The Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine “A Knowledge Check-Up” for the College-Age Female

Authors

Shelly L.S. Powers, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

OB/GYN

Advisor

Dr. Laura Witte

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common diagnosis in gynecology and continues to be a significant public health concern. Cervical cancer and genital warts are disease entities that are highly affiliated with HPV. Since the inception of the Gardasil vaccine, research reveals that infections with HPV 16 and 18 has decreased among women aged 20–24 years at up to 8 years after vaccination began. Despite this decline, research indicates that the level of knowledge that exists among the female college-aged students as it relates to the virus, the HPV vaccine (Gardasil), and associated diseases is low. This outcome is significant and requires educational and clinical interventions. Healthcare providers who service this population recognize HPV as a major risk factor to a host of diseases. Therefore, aggressive screening and patient education must be initiated. The morbidity associated with HPV such as cervical cancer and genital warts is a major burden on public health. HPV vaccination, and patient education can improve long-term morbidity. This is an article review of the clinical significance of the HPV vaccine, and what college age women know about HPV, the HPV vaccine, diseases affiliated with HPV, factors that avert the uptake of the vaccine, and recommended interventions.

Recommended Citation

Powers SL. The Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine “A Knowledge Check-Up” for the College-Age Female. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2020; 2(3).