Abstract
Low levels of human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and knowledge have been observed in the few studies conducted among school-going
adolescents. Such data are lacking in Germany. To assess awareness of HPV and of vaccination status among girls attending
grades 8–13 in Bremen and Bremerhaven, two German cities. Participants completed a questionnaire in school including questions
on demographic characteristics, about HPV awareness and on vaccination status. We analysed the relationship between awareness
of HPV, of vaccination status and vaccine uptake and several variables including age and migrant background using univariate
and multivariate logistic regression. Six hundred and thirty-two girls aged 12–20 years completed the questionnaire. 50 %
had no awareness of HPV, 12 % reported being vaccinated against HPV and 57 % did not know whether or not they were vaccinated
against HPV. In multivariate analyses, ever had sex was associated with awareness of HPV, and ever been to a gynaecologist
with awareness of vaccination status. Our results may be an indication that female adolescents in Germany are not adequately
informed and counselled about HPV and associated issues.
adolescents. Such data are lacking in Germany. To assess awareness of HPV and of vaccination status among girls attending
grades 8–13 in Bremen and Bremerhaven, two German cities. Participants completed a questionnaire in school including questions
on demographic characteristics, about HPV awareness and on vaccination status. We analysed the relationship between awareness
of HPV, of vaccination status and vaccine uptake and several variables including age and migrant background using univariate
and multivariate logistic regression. Six hundred and thirty-two girls aged 12–20 years completed the questionnaire. 50 %
had no awareness of HPV, 12 % reported being vaccinated against HPV and 57 % did not know whether or not they were vaccinated
against HPV. In multivariate analyses, ever had sex was associated with awareness of HPV, and ever been to a gynaecologist
with awareness of vaccination status. Our results may be an indication that female adolescents in Germany are not adequately
informed and counselled about HPV and associated issues.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-012-9589-1
- Authors
- F. Samkange-Zeeb, BIPS–Institute for Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Achterstrasse 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- L. Spallek, BIPS–Institute for Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Achterstrasse 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- S. J. Klug, Cancer Epidemiology, University Cancer Center, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- H. Zeeb, BIPS–Institute for Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Achterstrasse 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145