Men’s beliefs about HPV-related disease

Vaccine, 2011

Gay and bisexual men are at increased risk of anal cancer as a result of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Prophylactic vaccination is a potentially effective strategy for preventing anal cancer in this population. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with gay and bisexual men's intention to receive HPV vaccine. In the fall of 2010, 179 self-identified gay and bisexual men (mean age 22 years) completed an Internet-based questionnaire assessing beliefs and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. Men were recruited from college-based and Internet venues throughout the southeastern United States. The probability of intent to receive HPV vaccine was modeled using logistic regression. A majority of men (93%) had heard of HPV prior to participation but were generally unaware of the association of HPV with anal, penile, and oral cancers. Only 26% were aware of an HPV vaccine for males. Of the 179 participants, 64 (36%) were likely to be vaccinated. Men most likely to receive HPV vaccine perceived stronger physical and psychological benefits from vaccination and had more positive attitudes toward the vaccine. Conversely, intent to be vaccinated was negatively associated with concern over the financial cost of vaccination. Findings from this study can inform college-based health education programs aimed at increasing vaccine uptake among gay and bisexual men.

Vaccines

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (US). It is often discussed within the context of women’s sexual health due to its association with cervical cancer. However, HPV is also associated with other cancers and conditions which affect men. Gay and bisexual males (GBM) in the US have higher risks of HPV infection and a higher incidence of HPV-associated anal cancer than heterosexual males. In addition, GBM in the US have a higher prevalence of some high-risk strains of HPV than in other regions. HPV vaccination is highly effective at preventing HPV-associated cancers and genital warts. Several resources have been directed towards improving HPV awareness in the US over the past couple of years to improve vaccination rates. Given the low rates of HPV vaccination among GBM in the US, this study aimed to assess the trends in HPV and HPV vaccine awareness using a nationally representative sample of GBM. We found an overall increas...

2008

College-aged men (18-24) can easily transmit HPV, the most common type of sexually transmitted infection in the United States, but have the lowest knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer. This study utilized the Health Belief Model to assess the knowledge and perceptions of HPV ...

Preventive medicine, 2017

Few studies have included men when assessing differences in knowledge about HPV, and HPV-associated cancers. We examined gender differences in knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze data of 3,677 survey respondents aged 18 years and older from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey. Covariates included age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income level, regular provider, general health, internet use, and family structure aged 9 to 27 years. Analyses were conducted in 2015. Sixty-four percent of respondents had heard of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Seventy-eight percent of respondents knew HPV causes cervical cancer, but only 29% knew it causes penile cancer, 26% knew it causes anal cancer, and 30% knew it causes oral cancer. In multivariable analyses, males were less likely to have heard of HPV (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.25-0.45), and less likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine (aOR: 0...

Australian and New Zealand …, 2009

Objectives: The study compared levels of awareness of human papilloma virus (HPV) as a sexually transmissible infection (STI) between women of different sexual orientations. It also examined self-reported risk factors for HPV infection, perceived Article Risk AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 009 vol. 33 no. 1

Journal of Health Psychology, 2013

In this study, we examined the structural relationships among constructs from the Health Belief Model as they relate to human papillomavirus vaccine intentions in young gay and bisexual men in the United States (N = 183). A model was identified that fit the data well and accounted for 56% of the variance in vaccine intentions. Perceived benefits and barriers were the most proximate predictors of intentions, whereas knowledge and perceived threat exerted only indirect influence. Clarifying the propositional structures within the Health Belief Model can help to advance our understanding of human papillomavirus-related cognitions and behaviors and inform vaccine promotion programs.

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2016

Our aim was to gain a better understanding of the knowledge about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine among men at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by attendees of the largest STI Center in Rome, Italy, from April to June 2013. Determinants of vaccine acceptability were investigated using a Structured Equation Model. A total of 423 males participated in the survey: 296 (70.0%) men who have sex with men (MSM) and 127 (30.0%) men who have sex with women (MSW). Only one half of the participants knew that HPV is the cause of genital warts (56.9% of MSM vs. 49.5% of MSW, pD0.28). Even less were aware that HPV causes cancer in men (37.2% vs. 27.3%, pD0.08). MSW were more likely to indicate HPV as a cause of cervical cancer (80.8% vs. 69.3%, pD0.03) and to have heard about the vaccine (58.3 vs. 43.6%, pD0.01). Moreover, 72.1% of MSM and 70.3% of MSW were willing to be vaccinated. A rise of one-unit in the HPV awareness score increased the OR of vaccine acceptability among MSM by 25% (OR 1.25, 95%CI: 1.05-1.49; pD0.013). Differently, only attitudes had a relevant effect on willingness to be vaccinated among MSW (OR 3.32, 95%CI: 1.53-7.17; pD0.002). Efforts should be made to maximize awareness of HPV, especially as a causative agent of genital warts and male cancers, and to reinforce positive attitudes toward vaccination among men visiting STI centers. KEYWORDS acceptability; Human Papillomavirus (HPV); Men who have sex with men; Men who have sex with women; vaccine

Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2009

Objectives-If approved for use in young males in the United States, prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may reduce the incidence of HPV-related disease in vaccinated males and their sexual partners. We aimed to characterise heterosexual men's willingness to get HPV vaccine and identify correlates of vaccine acceptability. Methods-Participants were from a national sample of heterosexual men (n=297) aged 18-59 y from the United States who were interviewed in January 2009. We analysed data using multivariate logistic regression. Results-Most men had not heard of HPV prior to the study or had low HPV knowledge (81%; 239/296). Most men had heard of HPV vaccine prior to the study (63%; 186/296) and 37% (109/296) were willing to get HPV vaccine. Men were more willing to get vaccinated if they reported higher perceived likelihood of getting HPV-related disease (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.17), perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.83) or anticipated regret if they did not get vaccinated and an HPV infection later developed (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.89). Acceptability was also higher among men who thought (OR 9.02, 95% CI 3.45 to 23.60) or who were unsure (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.30 to 5.47) if their doctor would recommend they get HPV vaccine if licenced for males. Conclusions-Men had low HPV knowledge and were moderately willing to get HPV vaccine. These findings underscore the need for HPV educational efforts for men and provide insight into some of the factors that may affect the HPV vaccination decision making process among men.

American Journal of Men's Health, 2019

The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes in regard to human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccination against HPV among college students. From 2015 to 2017, 386 diverse undergraduates were recruited from a south Florida university. A survey, part of which was researcher developed, of HPV awareness, knowledge, and attitudes was conducted. The majority (84%) of participants had heard of HPV, and 70% had favorable attitudes toward vaccination. Only 28% of men and 55% of women had received ≥1 dose vaccine ( p = .01), and 4% of all participants reported that they had received 3 doses. Those with ≥1 dose ( n = 123, 40.1%) were more knowledgeable about HPV ( p = .01). High knowledge scores were recorded for 30% of respondents and were strongly associated with HPV vaccine initiation among both men and women ( p < .001) and perceived knowledge among women only ( p < .001). Negative attitudes toward HPV vaccine acceptance were associated with l...

PLoS ONE, 2012

Background: This cross-sectional study assess knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccination among a random sample of 1000 lesbian, gay men, and bisexual women and men.