[Awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls and boys in Germany-results of the LIEBESLEBEN study].

BACKGROUND

Despite the current recommendation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls and boys, vaccination rates in Germany remain low. Vaccination awareness is essential for vaccination behaviour and thus for an increase in vaccination rates. The aims of the present work were to investigate HPV vaccination awareness among the general population in Germany and to identify potential factors (sociodemographic, family and relationship characteristics, regional context) associated with HPV vaccination awareness. The results will help to conceptualize, manage, optimize and evaluate measures of public health.

METHODS

As part of the LIEBESLEBEN study, population-wide data were collected via an online survey (n = 4640). Data were weighted according to criteria representative for Germany. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 61.5% of respondents are aware of HPV vaccination for girls and 32.6% are aware of HPV vaccination for boys. The results of regression analyses show that the awareness of HPV vaccination for girls and boys is significantly associated with gender, formal education level, sexual orientation and living with children. The awareness of HPV vaccination for girls is additionally associated with relationship status and the degree of regional deprivation. In addition, HPV vaccination awareness for boys is associated with age.

DISCUSSION: In Germany, HPV vaccination awareness is still modest. This is particularly true in terms of vaccination for boys. Measures to raise awareness should be intensified. These include communication and informational offerings, settings-based approaches to address target groups as well as involving (medical) professionals, and supporting a healthcare structure that promotes vaccination.