The Effect of Education on HPV Vaccination Rates among Females

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been confirmed to be safe and effective in preventing HPV-related disorders, such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, oropharyngeal, and anal cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a routine HPV vaccine at ages 11 or 12. Vaccination may be given as early as 9 years old and as late as 26 years old. However, vaccination rates remain low in the United States. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to improve the HPV vaccination rate among females nine to 26 years of age at a teen and young adult health center in a Mid-Atlantic state. Methods: This study utilized a retrospective chart review of all females from 9 to 26 years old presenting to the Teen and Young Adult Health Clinic for a well-child exam or any other reason between December 1, 2016, and January 31, 2017 using data from a clinical data repository (CDR). A computerized EMR reminder was released on November 9, 2017; and client education and provider recommendation were delivered between October 1, 2017, and November 30, 2017. A prospective chart review was also conducted between December 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics, whether the interventions were offered correctly and by whom, patient response (accepted/declined, if the vaccine was initiated, and if the vaccination series was completed). Chi-square tests were used, and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Result: There were 353 and 216 participants in retrospective and prospective cohorts respectively. Only 17 patients (4.8%) from the retrospective cohort and 18 patients (8.3%) from prospective cohort received the HPV vaccine during their visit, p = .090. There was a significant difference in race, p = .028, and HPV note documentation, p = .006. Conclusion: There is no association between the HPV vaccine rate increase and EMR reminder, patient education, and provider recommendations if they are implemented separately.