Human papillomavirus knowledge, vaccination status, and barriers to vaccination in an urban transgender clinic population.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to better understand patient-reported human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates and barriers to vaccination among transgender patients receiving care at a gender-affirming clinic in urban New York.

METHODS

All patients with arrived appointments at the Center for Transgender Care at Northwell Health from January 1, 2020 through July 14, 2021, aged 14 and up, were invited to participate. Participants were sent an online consent form followed by a survey that assessed HPV knowledge, personal vaccination history, and reasons for or against vaccination. Data were collected in RedCap and analyzed using descriptive and basic inferential statistics. We received 79 completed consent forms and 70 completed surveys.

RESULTS

At least 68 of the 70 participants identified as transgender or gender diverse. Only 61.4% (43/70) of participants reported ever being offered the HPV vaccine and 55.7% (39/70) reported ever receiving at least one dose. Common reasons in favor of vaccination included doctor recommendation and decreasing cancer risk. Common reasons mentioned against HPV vaccination included sexual inactivity, concern over side effects, and assumption of low-risk HPV status. Of unvaccinated participants, 58.1% (18/31) reported they were more likely to get vaccinated after completing the survey.

CONCLUSIONS

The HPV vaccination rate in this study was higher than the rates seen in previous studies involving sexual and gender minority participants. Provider recommendation was found to be important in promoting vaccination.