Attitudes about the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among Patients with and Without Cervical Dysplasia

Objectives The aims of the study are to examine the perception of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among those with and without a history of cervical dysplasia and to examine perceptions of the vaccine for their children. Materials and Methods Patients were recruited to complete a survey about the HPV vaccine for both themselves and their children. Patients in a colposcopy clinic with a history of abnormal cervical cytology and patients in a benign gynecology clinic without a history of abnormal cervical cytology were recruited. Participants' medical records were reviewed. Demographics and survey answers were described, and Fisher exact test was used to compare the groups. Results One hundred eighty-Three patients participated: 73 in colposcopy clinic and 110 in benign clinic. The majority self-identified as Black (74% colposcopy, 71% benign, p =.588) and reported an income less than $39,000 a year (77% colposcopy, 65% benign, p =.089). Fifty-six percent in benign clinic agreed the HPV vaccine is a good way to protect oneself from disease compared with 48% in colposcopy clinic (p =.022). When examining results based on cytology, fewer patients in the highest-grade cytology group agreed the vaccine was effective (30% high-grade, 48% normal, 57% low-grade, p =.027) or a good way to protect themselves from disease (29% high-grade, 53% normal, 62% low-grade, p =.002). There was otherwise no statistically significant difference between the groups on questions regarding self or child vaccination. Conclusions In a majority Black, low-income population, patients without a history of abnormal cervical cytology have more favorable perceptions of the HPV vaccine's effectiveness in preventing disease. Those with the highest-grade cytology had more negative perceptions of the vaccine's effectiveness and protectability.