Project Description Narrative:
Human Papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.2 million new cases are reported annually in women ages 14-44, with 75% occurring between the ages of 15-24. There are over 100 different types of HPV, 40 of which cause infections which may lead to a spectrum of diesease encompassing benign warts to anogenital malignancy, such as cervical cancer.
In 2007, a vaccine targeting HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, the subtypes most responsible for the burden of benign and malignant gynecologic HPV infections in the U.S., was recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice for females aged 11-12 years (licensed for ages 9 through 26). In 2010, the vaccine was also recommended for males in order to reduce the risk of genital warts and anal cancer.
In Milwaukee, survey data indicate that youth are engaging in behavior that elevates their risk of HPV exposure. Milwaukee's rates of sexually transmitted diseases are stikingly high, ranking second worst in the nation for gonorrhea and third worst for chlamydia. On average, over 9,000 cases of chlamydia and over 3,000 cases of gonorrhea are reported in Milwaukee each year, and despite accounting for only 3.5% of the city's population, 22-26% of those cases are in youth aged 15-19.
The goal of this project is to use peer health advocates and the power of social media to increase awareness of HPV among urban adolescents in Milwaukee who are high risk for HPV infection, morbidity, and mortality.
Community partners: Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee
Additional academic partners: Staci Young, PhD, Family and Community Medicine