Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Rissner, M.
Does targeted education about HPV have a positive effect on HPV vaccination intention in a sample of 12- to 14-year-old students?
Report from a high school in Graz
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2025. pp. 153
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Tamussino Karl
- Taumberger Nadja
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: In 2018, the WHO (World Health Organization) called for the elimination of cervical cancer. About 99% of cervical carcinomas are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) infection and the nonavalent vaccine Gardasil®9 is thought to prevent up to 90% of HPV-associated carcinomas. To reach the WHO´s goal, a 90% vaccination coverage of all females by age 15 is one of the measures required to be taken until 2030. The Austrian Vaccination Plan recommends the 9-valent HPV vaccine to all genders starting from the age of 9. However, in Austria, in 2022 the HPV vaccination coverage (both doses) is estimated to be approximately 53% for children aged 14. No data on gender distribution amongst the vaccinated population exists. Therefore, this study investigated the (minimal) vaccination coverage (total and per gender) in a predefined sample group of high school students in Graz. Furthermore, it aimed to explore if targeted education on HPV can improve the willingness to receive the vaccine amongst students with a negative or uncertain vaccination status. Material & Methods: In June 2021, we conducted a prospective questionnaire-based study in a high school in Graz. 135 consent forms were handed out to the intention-to-treat population. Students with parentally signed consent forms filled out a questionnaire concerning their HPV immunization status, HPV knowledge and willingness to get vaccinated. Then we conducted a targeted education class about HPV and HPV vaccination. Successively, they filled out a second, similar, questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were a parentally signed consent form and age between 12 – 14 years. The questionnaire data was analyzed via descriptive statistics. Results: 55/135 students from the intention-to-treat population (41%) handed in signed consent forms. 54 students (40%) were included. 38/54 students (70%) were vaccinated, which leads to a minimal vaccination coverage (full immunization with two doses) within the overall intention-to-treat population of 28% (38/135 students). 3 students (6%) had received one dose by the time of the study. 77% (26/34) of all female students were vaccinated, 85% (29/34) received the 1st dose. Before receiving targeted education, knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine was reported by 18 (33%) and 27 students (50%), respectively. After the educational class, 54 (100%) students knew about HPV and 53 (98.15%) knew what the HPV vaccine was. Before the educational class, 10/13 (77%) students with a negative or uncertain immunization status, would choose to get vaccinated in a cost-reduced vaccination program. After being educated, 11/13 (85%) students would get vaccinated. Conclusion: In our cohort, only one of 13 unvaccinated or uncertain whether vaccinated students was willing to get vaccinated after targeted education. Our results do not permit conclusive recommendations on whether targeted education can raise HPV vaccination intention. However, targeted education did lead to an increase in the number of students with knowledge regarding primary prevention of HPV-associated cancers. Therefore, education may increase knowledge regarding HPV and the vaccine, which might possibly have an indirect effect and lead to increased HPV vaccination intention in the long run. Furthermore, as we only know the rate of vaccination of the study participants (n=54), we cannot state the actual vaccination rate within the group that was intended to be investigated (n=135). Further studies with larger sample sizes, in multiple schools from diverse settings, randomization into interventional and control groups and analysis of demographic background data would be necessary to answer these questions more conclusively.