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[Display omitted] The current study sought to determine if the release of COVID-19 vaccines influenced Alabama mothers' attitudes and behaviors regarding HPV vaccination of their adolescent children. A social media survey was conducted August − September 2022 among mothers of adolescents ages 9–18, who self-identified as Alabama residents and their child(ren)'s primary medical decision maker. The survey assessed demographics, vaccine knowledge and opinions, vaccination history, influences on vaccination decisions, and how COVID-19 vaccine release affected vaccine opinions. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted. Of 241 responses, most participants were white (82.0 %, n = 196), non-Hispanic (96.6 %, n = 230), and privately insured (64.5 %, n = 151), with annual household incomes ≥$61,000 (45.4 %, n = 103). The majority (60.8 %) reported that their child either had or planned to receive the HPV vaccine. The release of COVID-19 vaccines did not change the majority of parental opinions towards HPV, with 78.5 % (n = 161) reporting no change. Among those who experienced a change, 25 % (n = 5) reported an increased likelihood of having their child vaccinated for HPV and 75 % (n = 15) reported a decrease in likelihood. Moderate and high HPV knowledge scores were associated in multivariable analysis with increased likelihood of having their child vaccinated for HPV ("moderate" knowledge AOR: 12.4, 95 % CI: 1.98–78.1; "high" knowledge AOR: 12.8, 95 % CI: 2.00–82.1). Positive HPV opinion scores in the univariable analysis similarly showed increased odds (AOR = 1.5). These findings indicate that, in this population, COVID-19 vaccine release did not significantly impact subsequent HPV vaccination decision making. Parental perceptions regarding vaccination are critical to informing future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burdens related to time spent receiving cancer care may be substantial for patients with incurable, life‐limiting cancers such as metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Estimates of time spent on health care are needed to inform treatment‐related decision‐making. Methods: Estimates of time spent receiving cancer‐related health care in the initial 3 months of treatment for patients with MBC were calculated using the following data sources: (a) direct observations from a time‐in‐motion quality improvement evaluation (process mapping); (b) cross‐sectional patient surveys; and (c) administrative claims. Average ambulatory, inpatient, and total health care time were calculated for specific treatments which differed by antineoplastic type and administration method, including fulvestrant (injection, hormonal), letrozole (oral, hormonal), capecitabine (oral, chemotherapy), and paclitaxel (infusion, chemotherapy). Results: Average total time spent on health care ranged from 7% to 10% of all days included within the initial 3 months of treatment, depending on treatment. The greatest time contributions were time spent traveling for care and on inpatient services. Time with providers contributed modestly to total care time. Patients receiving infusion/injection treatments, compared with those receiving oral therapy, spent more time in ambulatory care. Health care time was higher for patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents compared to those receiving hormonal agents. Conclusion: Time spent traveling and receiving inpatient care represented a substantial burden to patients with MBC, with variation in time by treatment type and administration method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: South Carolina lags behind other states in the United States in HPV vaccination rates. This study investigated online HPV vaccination communication to provide insight to increase vaccine uptake through effective messaging. Method: A qualitative content analysis of publicly available documents in South Carolina between 1 June 2014 and 31 May 2015 was performed, including 83 website/blog posts, 211 tweets, 144 Facebook posts, and 31 articles in local and statewide newspapers. Diffusion of innovations theoretical framework and a constant comparative method were used to analyze data in HyperRESEARCH 3.7.2. Results: Current messaging in South Carolina emphasized the relative advantage of HPV vaccination as cancer prevention strategy. Two primary misconceptions about the HPV vaccination were identified: concerns about safety and that the vaccine could increase sexual activity among adolescents. The content analysis revealed that health care provider support is needed to normalize HPV vaccination as part of the routine immunization series. Observing messages from peers served as a vicarious trial experience of the vaccine for adolescents and young adults and showed gaps in vaccine uptake among males and lack of series completion among males and females. Conclusions: Future messaging should focus on compatibility with the target audience’s values by addressing misconceptions about the vaccine related to sexual activity and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of vaginitis and its association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) in women undergoing cervical cancer screening in rural Tanzania. Methods: For the purpose of cervical cancer screening, cytology and HR HPV polymerase chain reaction data were collected from 324 women aged between 30 and 60 years. Microscopy and gram stains were used to detect yeast and bacterial vaginosis. Cervical nucleic acid amplification test specimens were collected for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Results: The majority of women were married (320 of 324) and reported having a single sexual partner (270 of 324); the median age of participants was 41 years. HR HPV was detected in 42 participants. Forty-seven percent of women had vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common infection (32.4%), followed by TV (10.4%), and yeast (6.8%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, TV was associated with an increased risk of HR HPV (odds ratio, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.7-10.3]). Patients with TV were 6.5 times more likely to have HPV type 16 than patients negative for TV (50% vs 13.3%) (odds ratio, 6.5 [95% CI, 1.1-37]). Conclusions: Among rural Tanzanian women who presented for cervical cancer screening, Trichomonas vaginitis was significantly associated with HR HPV infection (specifically type 16). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]