Implementation Considerations Using HPV Self-Collection to Reach Women Under-Screened for Cervical Cancer in High-Income Settings

The success of cytology (Pap screening) programs is undeniable and has drastically reduced cervical cancer rates in high-income settings where it has been implemented [...

Factors associated with intention to receive vaccines for bacterial sexually transmitted infections among young HPV-vaccinated Canadian women

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability of bacterial STI vaccines among young HPV-vaccinated Canadian women to inform future vaccine program implementation. Methods: A 20-item cross-sectional questionnaire was administered from June 2019 to June 2020 to HPV-vaccinated participants of the pan-Canadian QUEST cohort. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed interest in chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea vaccines using a priori variables and factors significant in bivariate analysis. Results: Of the 1092 respondents analyzed, 82% indicated interest in receiving one or more future STI vaccines. Respondents had a median age of 19.6 years (range 16.9–23.4), and 75% of respondents identified as white/European descent. In adjusted analyses, intent to engage in positive health behaviours was associated with vaccine interest for syphilis (OR = 5.76, 95% CI 4.03–8.27), chlamydia (OR = 5.27, 95% CI 3.66–7.63), and gonorrhea (OR = 5.96, 95% CI 4.15–8.60). Willingness to pay for an STI vaccine was also associated with vaccine interest for syphilis (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.29–3.19), chlamydia (OR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.50–3.90), and gonorrhea (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.44–3.63). Ever having sexual intercourse and identifying as LGBTQ were significantly associated with vaccine interest for all infections, while age and ever being immunosuppressed were not significant in any adjusted models. Conclusion: Findings indicate over 80% of participants in a cohort of young HPV-vaccinated Canadian women are interested in receiving future bacterial STI vaccines. Further exploration of STI vaccine acceptability among diverse populations is required to inform future bacterial STI vaccine program implementation

Laboratory testing and phylogenetic analysis during a mumps outbreak in Ontario, Canada

In September 2009, a mumps outbreak originated in New York and spread to Northeastern USA and Canada. This study compares the performance of different diagnostic testing methods used in Ontario and describes molecular characteristics of the outbreak strain

Willingness to Self-Collect a Sample for HPV-Based Cervical Cancer Screening in a Well-Screened Cohort: HPV FOCAL Survey Results

Self-collection may provide an opportunity for innovation within population-based human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical cancer screening programs by providing an alternative form of engagement for all individuals. The primary objective was to determine willingness to self-collect a vaginal sample for primary HPV screening and factors that impact willingness in individuals who participated in the Human Papillomavirus For Cervical Cancer (HPV FOCAL) screening trial, a large randomized controlled cervical screening trial. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed between 2017 and 2018 to 13,176 eligible participants exiting the FOCAL trial. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression assessed factors that influence willingness to self-collect on 4945 respondents. Overall, 52.1% of respondents indicated willingness to self-collect an HPV sample. In multivariable analysis, the odds of willingness to self-collect were significantly higher in participants who agreed that screening with an HPV test instead of a Pap test was acceptable to them (odds ratio (OR): 1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 1.82), those who indicated that collecting their own HPV sample was acceptable to them (p < 0.001), and those with higher educational ascertainment (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.54). The findings offer insight into the intentions to self-collect in those already engaged in screening, and can inform cervical cancer screening programs interested in offering alternative approaches to HPV-based screening.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCReviewedFacultyResearche

Intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine: results from a population-based survey in Canada

Background The success of any COVID-19 vaccine program ultimately depends on high vaccine uptake. This study determined overall intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and identified factors that predict intentions to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Canada, specifically in key priority groups identified by the American Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) for early immunization. Methods Individuals from research cohorts from the general population of British Columbia aged 25–69 were invited complete an online survey based on validated scales and theoretical frameworks to explore intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Two multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to determine factors associated with intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Results Of 4948 respondents, 79.8% intended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In multivariable modeling, respondents who intended to receive the vaccine had higher vaccine attitudinal scores (p  60 years) were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine, while females (95%CI 0.57,0.93), those with less than high school education (95%CI 0.5,0.76), those who self-identified as non-white (95%CI 0.60,0.92), self-identified as Indigenous (95%CI 0.36,0.84) and essential non-health care workers (95%CI 0.59,0.86) had lower adjusted odds of intending to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions To optimize vaccine coverage, public health should focus on key messages around vaccine safety and benefit, and leverage trusted practitioners for messaging. As certain key populations identified by NACI and ACIP for early immunization report a lower intention to vaccinate, there is a need for in-depth education and support for these communities to ensure optimal uptake.Arts, Faculty ofMedicine, Faculty ofNon UBCPathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department ofReviewedFacultyResearche

Intentions of public school teachers in British Columbia, Canada to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

Background: To control the COVID-19 pandemic high vaccine acceptability and uptake will be needed. Teachers represent a priority population to minimize social disruption and ensure continuity in education, which is vital for the well-being and healthy development of youth during the pandemic. The objective of this analysis was to measure public school teachers’ intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Methods: A population-wide cross-sectional online survey from August to November 2020 asked all BC public school teachers with an available email address how likely they were to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Two multivariable logistic regression models explored separately sociodemographic and vaccine hesitancy predictors for intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total of 5,076 teachers participated. The majority, 89.7%, reported they were likely or very likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. In multivariable regression, sociodemographic predictors of intention to be vaccinated included being male, having an educational background in science or engineering, and using reliable information sources on vaccination such as public health and health care providers. Teachers who reported lower levels of vaccine hesitancy, higher general vaccine knowledge, and belief that COVID-19 was a serious illness were more likely to intend to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: A high proportion of public-school teachers in BC intend to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Continued monitoring of vaccine intentions will be important to inform public health vaccine implementation.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCPediatrics, Department ofPopulation and Public Health (SPPH), School ofReviewedFacultyResearcherPostdoctoralUndergraduat

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Rates in British Columbia Women: A Population-Level Data Linkage Evaluation of the School-Based HPV Immunization Program

BACKGROUND: To understand real-world human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine impact, continuous evaluation using population-based data is critical. We evaluated the early impact of the school-based HPV immunization program on cervical dysplasia in women in British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: Data linkage was performed using records from provincial cervical screening and immunization registries. Precancerous outcomes were compared between unvaccinated and HPV-vaccinated women born 1994-2005. Incidence rate, relative rate (RR), and vaccine effectiveness (VE), using unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression of cytology (HSIL) and histopathology (CIN2, CIN3, and CIN2+) outcomes, were compared across vaccination status groups. RESULTS: Women who received a complete series of vaccine on schedule between age 9 and 14 years had an adjusted RR = 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.57) for CIN2+ over 7 years of follow-up compared to unvaccinated women, resulting in a VE of 57.9% (95% CI, 43.2%-69.0%). Adjusted RR for HSIL was 0.53 (95% CI, .43-.64), resulting in a VE of 47.1% (95% CI, 35.6%-56.7%). CONCLUSION: Women vaccinated against HPV have a lower incidence of cervical dysplasia compared to unvaccinated women. Immunization between 9 and 14 years of age should be encouraged. Continued program evaluation is important for measuring long-term population impact

sj-docx-1-whe-10.1177_17455057231199051 – Supplemental material for Higher perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic increased menstrual dysregulation and menopause symptoms

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-whe-10.1177_17455057231199051 for Higher perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic increased menstrual dysregulation and menopause symptoms by Romina Garcia de leon, Alexandra Baaske, Arianne Y. Albert, Amy Booth, C. Sarai Racey, Shanlea Gordon, Laurie W. Smith, Anna Gottschlich, Manish Sadarangani, Angela Kaida, Gina S. Ogilvie, Lori A. Brotto and Liisa A.M. Galea in Women’s Health</p

sj-docx-2-whe-10.1177_17455057231199051 – Supplemental material for Higher perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic increased menstrual dysregulation and menopause symptoms

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-whe-10.1177_17455057231199051 for Higher perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic increased menstrual dysregulation and menopause symptoms by Romina Garcia de leon, Alexandra Baaske, Arianne Y. Albert, Amy Booth, C. Sarai Racey, Shanlea Gordon, Laurie W. Smith, Anna Gottschlich, Manish Sadarangani, Angela Kaida, Gina S. Ogilvie, Lori A. Brotto and Liisa A.M. Galea in Women’s Health</p