Author Interviews, HPV, OBGYNE, Vaccine Studies / 24.06.2019
Does the HPV Vaccine Come With a Moral Hazard?
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ali Moghtaderi PhD MBA
Assistant Research Professor and
Avi Dor PhD
Professor of Health Policy and Economics
Milken Institute School of Public Health
George Washington University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In this study, we investigate the effect of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on participation in Pap test, which is one of the most effective cancer screening interventions. Cervical cancers are causally linked to HPV infections. The Pap test is a diagnostic procedure for early detection of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination provides partial protection against cervical cancer, and the Pap test is strongly recommended for women 21 to 65 years of age even after vaccination. If vaccination leads to a reduction in testing participation, it could contribute to greater incidence and severity of cervical cancer. Note that we focus on relatively older women (age 22 or older) who were not vaccinated at younger ages. (more…)