HPV Vaccine Awareness and Uptake Among Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic Users: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bologna, Italy

Marta Cleva, Valeria Gaspari, Andrea Ceccarelli (), Gabriele Pianese, Davide Griffa, Gionathan Orioni, Christian Cintori, Giuseppe Diegoli, Davide Gori and Marco Montalti
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Marta Cleva: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Valeria Gaspari: Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Andrea Ceccarelli: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Gabriele Pianese: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Davide Griffa: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Gionathan Orioni: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Christian Cintori: Sector of Collective Prevention and Public Health, Directorate General for Personal Care, Health, and Welfare, Emilia-Romagna Region, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Giuseppe Diegoli: Sector of Collective Prevention and Public Health, Directorate General for Personal Care, Health, and Welfare, Emilia-Romagna Region, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Davide Gori: Unit of Hygiene and Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Marco Montalti: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 11, 1-10

Abstract: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection poses a significant health risk, particularly for high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM), people living with HIV (PLHIV), and transgender individuals. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, uptake among these groups remains suboptimal due to various social and behavioral barriers (BeSD). A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) clinic in Bologna, Italy, from 8 April to 12 April 2024 using a paper questionnaire, investigating HPV vaccine uptake and BeSD factors influencing vaccination decisions. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Among the 236 respondents, PLHIV and transgender individuals demonstrated lower uptake rates (60.0% and 15.6%) if compared to women under 30 years old (72.7%). Concern about HPV infection varied significantly across groups, with MSM showing the highest worry (48.7%). Perceptions of vaccine safety and access were mixed, influencing vaccination decisions. Multivariate analysis indicated that age inversely correlated with infection worry (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98), while being a woman under 30 (OR: 164.0, 95% CI: 17.2–1560.18) or MSM (OR: 3.53, 95% CI: 1.37–9.11) was positively associated with vaccine uptake. The study identifies disparities in HPV vaccine uptake among STI clinic users in Bologna, Italy, emphasizing the need for targeted public health campaigns. These campaigns could engage STI clinics and address awareness, safety perceptions, and access barriers to enhance vaccination coverage among sexual and gender minorities.

Keywords: HPV vaccine; sexually transmitted infections; sexual and gender minorities; behavioral and social determinants; vaccine uptake; vaccine awareness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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