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Characteristics Associated with HPV Diagnosis and Perceived Risk for Cervical Cancer Among Unmarried, Sexually Active College Women

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Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the leading cause of cervical cancer. While HPV risk factors have been well studied, less is known about those with HPV and their perceptions about health ramifications. The purposes of this study were to examine unmarried college student women’s (1) HPV diagnosis status and (2) perceived risk of getting cervical cancer in the next 5 years. Data were analyzed from 1106 unmarried, sexually active college women aged 18 to 26. Binary logistic regression compared HPV-related knowledge, vaccination-related perceptions, mandate support, healthcare utilization, sexual behaviors, and personal characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the degree to which these factors were associated with perceived risk of cervical cancer diagnosis. Relative to those not diagnosed with HPV, participants who had more lifetime sex partners (P < 0.001), unprotected sex during last intercourse (P = 0.003), Pap test in the past year (P < 0.001), and perceived themselves to be at higher risk for cervical cancer (P < 0.001) were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with HPV. Those with HPV were more likely to support HPV vaccination mandates (P = 0.036) and have fewer friends vaccinated (P = 0.002). Participants who were uninsured (P = 0.011), diagnosed with HPV (P < 0.001), and had a family member (P < 0.001) or friend (P < 0.001) with cervical cancer were more likely to perceive themselves at risk for developing cervical cancer in the next 5 years. Findings indicate women with HPV, despite engaging in risky sexual behaviors, acknowledge their cervical cancer risk and may be strong advocates for HPV vaccination mandates to protect youth against this preventable virus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA

    Kelly L. Wilson

  2. Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Clayton J. Cowart & Matthew Lee Smith

  3. School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Brittany L. Rosen

  4. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA

    Jairus C. Pulczinski

  5. Department of Psychological Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Kayce D. Solari

  6. Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M School of Public Health, College Station, TX, USA

    Marcia G. Ory

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  1. Kelly L. Wilson
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  2. Clayton J. Cowart
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  3. Brittany L. Rosen
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  4. Jairus C. Pulczinski
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  6. Marcia G. Ory
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  7. Matthew Lee Smith
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Correspondence to Kelly L. Wilson.

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Wilson, K.L., Cowart, C.J., Rosen, B.L. et al. Characteristics Associated with HPV Diagnosis and Perceived Risk for Cervical Cancer Among Unmarried, Sexually Active College Women. J Canc Educ 33, 404–416 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-016-1131-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-016-1131-1

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