HEALTH
Why Tennessee's HPV Vaccine Uptake Lags Behind
Tennessee, USAWed Jan 08 2025
HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection, affects over 80% of Americans by age 45. Though vaccines are available, many in Tennessee don't get vaccinated. Recently, the ACIP expanded HPV vaccine recommendations to include adults aged 27-45. This study aimed to understand why Tennesseans in this age group aren't getting vaccinated.
Researchers surveyed adults aged 18 to 45 in Tennessee from June to August 2023. They found five key factors affecting vaccine uptake: trust in benefits, perceived risk, attitude and control over behavior, perceived barriers, and how serious they think HPV is. These factors explained 70. 3% of the variability in vaccination decisions.
Looking at different demographic groups, race stood out as significant. Black respondents had less trust in the vaccine's benefits compared to White and Asian respondents. However, the interaction between race and vaccination status wasn't significant.
The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals and policymakers to address these racial disparities. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to boost vaccination rates and lower HPV-related cancer risks in Tennessee.
continue reading...
questions
If HPV had a dating profile, what would the 'About Me' section say to reassure potential partners in Tennessee?
What specific factors influence adult Tennesseans' trust in the benefits of the HPV vaccine?
How can healthcare professionals effectively communicate the severity of HPV and its risks to adults in Tennessee?
actions
flag content