News You Can Use: risk factors for non-initiation of the HPV vaccine, oral health and oral HPV infection, AAP annual meeting

Goal of Label Changes: Better Prescribing, Safer Use of Opioids Search the Consumer Updates Section

Consumers and health care professionals will soon find updated labeling for extended-release and long-acting opioid pain relievers to help ensure their safe and appropriate use. In addition to requiring new labeling on these prescription medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also requiring manufacturers to study certain known serious risks when these drugs are used long-term.¹

Risk Factors for Non-Initiation of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine among Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Abstract

“Effective vaccination is now available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection and cause of cervical cancer. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV vaccination among childhood cancer survivors and identify factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation and completion. Mothers of daughters aged 9-17 years with/without a history of childhood cancer (n = 235,M age= 13.2 years, SD= 2.69; n = 70, M age= 13.3 years, SD=2.47, respectively) completed surveys querying HPV vaccination initiation and completion along with socio-demographic, medical, HPV knowledge and communication, and health belief factors, which may relate to vaccination outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to identify factors associated with HPV vaccination initiation and completion. Among cancer survivors, 32.6% initiated and 17.9% completed the 3-dose vaccine series, whereas 34.3% and 20.0% of controls initiated and completed, respectively. Univariate analyses indicated no differences between cancer/no cancer groups on considered risk factors. Among all participants, multivariate logistic regression analyses found vaccine initiation associated with older age of daughter and physician recommendation, while increased perceived barriers associated with a decreased likelihood of initiation (all Ps < .05). Among those having initiated, risk factors for non-completion included being non-white, an increased perceived severity of HPV, and having increased perceived barriers to vaccination (all Ps < .05). A minority of adolescents surviving childhood cancer have completed vaccination, despite their increased risk for HPV-related complication. These results inform of the prioritization of strategies to be included in vaccine promotion efforts.”²

Examining the Association between Oral Health and Oral HPV Infection

Abstract

“Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of 40% to 80% of oropharyngeal cancers; yet, no published study has examined the role of oral health in oral HPV infection, either independently or in conjunction with other risk factors. This study examined the relation between oral health and oral HPV infection, as well as the interactive effects of oral health, smoking, and oral sex on oral HPV infection. Our analyses comprised 3,439 participants ages 30 to 69 years for whom data on oral HPV and oral health were available from the nationally representative 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results showed that higher, unadjusted prevalence of oral HPV infection was associated with four measures of oral health, including self-rated oral health as poor-to-fair [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–1.95], indicated the possibility of gum disease (PR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.13–2.01), reported use of mouthwash to treat dental problems in the past week (PR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07–1.52), and higher number of teeth lost (P_trend = 0.035). In multivariable logistic regression models, oral HPV infection had a statistically significant association with self-rated overall oral health (OR = 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15–2.09), independent of smoking and oral sex. In conclusion, poor oral health was an independent risk factor of oral HPV infection, irrespective of smoking and oral sex practices. Public health interventions may aim to promote oral hygiene and oral health as an additional measure to prevent HPV-related oral cancers.”³

American Academy Of Periodontology To Host 99th Annual Meeting In Philadelphia

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) invites all dental professionals to attend its 99th Annual Meeting at Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center from September 28 to October 1, 2013.

To register or for more information visit: www.perio.org/meetings, call 312/573-3213 or email [email protected]. Look for us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AmerAcadPerio and follow on Twitter @AmerAcadPerio, #AAPAM.

References

1. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm367660.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
2. Klosky J, Russell K, Canavera K, Gammel1 H, Hodges JR, Foster R, Parra GR, Simmons J, Green DM, and Hudson MM. Risk Factors for Non-Initiation of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine among Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer. Published OnlineFirst August 27, 2013; doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-13-0127.
3. Bui TC, Markham CM, Ross MW, and Mullen, PD. Examining the Association between Oral Health and Oral HPV Infection. Cancer Prev Res; 6 (9); 917–24.

Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS