The Need for HPV Vaccination Among Postpartum Women
Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. Studies show that 40% of women have HPV at any given time. Even though the HPV vaccine has been available for over 15 years, uptake rates remain low in women over 17 years of age. The postpartum period is an ideal time to offer HPV vaccination to adult women who did not obtain it at a younger age.
Methods
This study received IRB approval from UTRGV (#21-0117) and DHR (#1706328-1). Eligible participants included postpartum or pregnant patients aged 18-45 at DHR Women’s Hospital or at UTRGV-DHR Women’s Health Center and were identified through the electronic medical record. Deidentified paper surveys were administered to assess patient demographics, HPV vaccination status, and HPV knowledge. Responses were transferred to a secure electronic database. Descriptive analysis was performed.
Results
Three hundred and fifty-three valid surveys were collected. Ninety-three percent of participants identified as Hispanic, 68% were from the U.S., and 26% were from Mexico. Eighty percent had an annual income of less than $70,000. Sixty percent had Medicaid, 31% had private insurance, and 9% had no insurance. Fifty-two percent first learned of HPV and 58% had first learned of Gardasil through their healthcare providers. Forty percent of the participants never received HPV vaccination, 7% received one dose, 5% received two doses, and 27% were unsure whether they ever received the vaccine. Only 5% had completed three doses.
Conclusion
Our data show a low HPV vaccination rate in the Rio Grande Valley that may be explained by low income, and therefore limited access to healthcare, as well as limited knowledge regarding HPV vaccination. With the aim to increase HPV vaccination rates, a postpartum HPV vaccination program has now been implemented at UTRGV.