Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in a Ugandan Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Gauging Attitudes Toward Vaccination and Vaccine Uptake [ID 1599]

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prevents cervical cancer and other sequelae of HPV infection; vaccination is particularly beneficial for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women, who are more susceptible to developing cervical dysplasia and cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes toward HPV vaccination among adolescent women and their caregivers at an HIV clinic in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of female patients 10–18 years old and their caregivers at the Baylor Foundation Uganda Center of Excellence, a pediatric HIV clinic in Kampala. The survey queried patient demographics, HPV awareness, vaccination history, and attitudes toward vaccination. Summary statistics and bivariate associations between vaccination status and other variables were examined using R, version 4.3.3. RESULTS: Of 297 survey participants, 213 (72%) had heard of the HPV vaccine; 142 (48%) reported being vaccinated, most commonly at school or a clinic. Lack of knowledge about the vaccine or lack of access to vaccination were the most common reasons patients had not been vaccinated. Nearly all (94%) unvaccinated participants were willing to receive the vaccine. Caregivers also had positive perceptions of the HPV vaccine, with nearly all caregivers willing to receive the HPV vaccine themselves, should they have the opportunity. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Interest in HPV vaccination was high among young women at a Ugandan HIV clinic, but most patients had not previously been vaccinated. Our group will focus future work on improving vaccine uptake by offering increased education on vaccination, as well as more visible opportunities to receive the vaccine.