Factors associated with non-vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among adolescents in São Paulo

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze factors associated with non-vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among adolescents in São Paulo, Brazil. This is an epidemiological study with a cross-sectional design, developed using data from the National School Health Survey. For this particular study, responses from girls and boys, aged 13 to 17 years, from the municipality of São Paulo were analyzed, totaling 4,179 questionnaires. The dependent variable was non-vaccination against HPV. For multivariate analysis, a logistic regression model was applied. All estimates were calculated using the survey module of the Statistical Software for Professionals, version 17.0. The prevalence of unvaccinated adolescents was 17%, with male sex, older age, and not seeking health services in the previous 12 months being the main factors associated with a lack of vaccination. The results of this study are innovative as they elucidate factors associated with non-vaccination against HPV among adolescents in the state of São Paulo, the second most populous state in the country. Therefore, these findings will be highly useful in supporting strategies to restore vaccination coverage, particularly targeted at adolescents, a population with specific healthcare needs.