Human Papillomavirus

Oncology nurses have a great opportunity to prevent cancer—not just treat it! Media outlets recently reported Michael Douglas’ diagnosis of throat cancer and his statement that human papillomavirus virus (HPV) infection caused his cancer. Oncology nurses can lead the way in efforts to protect the next generation from this type of cancer if they know the facts about HPV vaccination for both girls and boys.

Although research has shown that mothers significantly influence daughters' willingness to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), cultural factors influencing immigrant Haitian mothers' willingness to have adolescent daughters to be vaccinated are unknown. This is of concern as this population experiences disproportionately higher rates of HPV infection and related cervical cancers. This study identifies cultural beliefs influencing 31 immigrant Haitian mothers' willingness to vaccinate their daughters against HPV using semistructured interviews.

Determine the predictors and correlates of HPV vaccination among girls and boys ages 9 to 13 living in rural Georgia to determine intervention points to increase HPV vaccination knowledge in areas where health disparities exist and HPV vaccine rates are extremely low.

Incidences of both human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related cancers are on the rise in men. However, vaccine uptake is low. Parental consent is required prior to receiving the HPV vaccine. This study examined parental perceptions of the HPV vaccine for boys through survey methods (N = 422) and focus groups (N = 45).

The purpose of the study was to examin parents' knowlege of HPV and predictors of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their sons ages 9 to 13.

Purpose: This study examined population-specific risk factors that increase emerging adults’ risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Design and Method: A cross-sectional sample of 335 diverse, emerging adults ages 18 to 24 years was recruited from a health center at a large university in the Southeastern United States. The mean age was 20.6 ± 1.9 years, majority were females (74.0%), and 61.0% were Hispanic.

Over the last decade, new information about human papillomavirus infection has increased the healthcare community's understanding of the natural history of the disease and cervical cancer. Advances in screening, management, and diagnosis continue to refine clinicians' efforts to prevent cervical cancer in adolescent females.

Tami Thomas, PhD, CPNP, RNC, answers questions related to the importance of vaccinating boys and men to prevent the human papillomavirus. This article was funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

The new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a research breakthrough for pediatric/adolescent health to prevent cervical cancer and related morbidity. The annual heath care cost for the treatment of cervical cancer and genital warts is estimated to be more than three billion dollars a year. The new HPV vaccine has incredible potential to improve reproductive health promotion, reduce health care costs, and close health care disparity gaps.