A study has identified the Virginians least likely to know that there is a potentially lifesaving vaccine available for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for up to 10% of all cancers.
More than a quarter of respondents to a survey of state residents had not heard of the vaccine. Those least likely to be aware include males, urban residents and people who reported lower incomes. Those most likely to know of the vaccine include part-time workers, younger people and those with higher education.
“Our study found particular knowledge disparities by sex, age, rurality, income and education in our state,” said researcher Rajesh Balkrishnan, PhD, of the School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences and UVA Cancer Center. “We need to elucidate these barriers to knowledge, which could inform new statewide policies about ensuring the uptake of this important vaccine.” Read More >