The Role of Health Information Technology in Improving Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among U.S. Adults
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2023
Publication Title
Telemedicine Journal and e-Health : The Official Journal of the American Telemedicine Association
Abstract
Objective: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines prevent cancer-causing HPV infections and cervical precancers, there is suboptimal awareness and limited global accessibility of HPV and HPV vaccine. Emerging evidence suggests that health information technology (HIT) may influence HPV-related awareness and improve vaccine adoption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the link between HIT and HPV-related awareness Methods: Data were obtained from 1,866 U.S. adults aged 18-45 years who completed the 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Results: Awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine were 72.7% and 67.5%, respectively. Participants who used electronic means to look up health information (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.05; p = 0.001), communicate with health care provider (aOR = 1.68; p = 0.026), look up test results (aOR = 1.94; p = 0.005), and track health costs (aOR = 1.65; p = 0.04) were more likely to report HPV awareness than those who did not. Participants who used an electronic device to look up health information (aOR = 3.10; p = 0.003), communicate with clinicians (aOR = 1.72; p = 0.008), look up test results (aOR = 1.63; p = 0.021), and track health care charges (aOR = 1.90; p = 0.006) were more likely to report HPV vaccine awareness than those who did not. Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings suggest a positive association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Given the rapid and exponential increase in mobile technology access globally, these results are encouraging and offer a potential opportunity to leverage digital technology in primary cancer prevention for HPV-related cancers, especially in low- and middle-income countries with unsophisticated health infrastructures.
First Page
886
Last Page
895
PubMed ID
36394492
Volume
29
Issue
6
Recommended Citation
Onyeaka, Henry K.; Muoghalu, Chioma; Deary, Emma C.; Ajayi, Kobi V.; Kyeremeh, Emmanuel; Dosunmu, Tolulope G.; Jawla, Muhammed; Onaku, Emmanuella; Nwani, Somtochi P.; Asante, Kwaku O.; and Amonoo, Hermioni L., "The Role of Health Information Technology in Improving Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among U.S. Adults" (2023). School of Public Health Faculty Publications. 343.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/soph_facpubs/343