A Qualitative Analysis of Young Sexual Minority Men's Perspectives on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Abstract

Purpose: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are affected disproportionately by cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, yet rates of HPV vaccination among young MSM are low. Guided by the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills model, the purpose of this study was to identify young sexual minority men's perspectives on HPV vaccination. Methods: Men (N = 29) 18-26 years of age, who identified as gay, bisexual, or queer, completed a semistructured interview. Vaccinated (n = 9) and unvaccinated men (n = 20) were interviewed. The interview assessed knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills related to HPV vaccination as well as relevant contextual factors (e.g., provider recommendation). Interviews were coded for recurring themes. Results: Most participants were aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine; however, misconceptions and knowledge gaps were common with many believing that HPV vaccination was only for women. Motivational factors included perceived advantages (e.g., reducing risk of HPV-related disease) and disadvantages (e.g., stigma) of HPV vaccination, perceived threat of HPV-related disease, and subjective norms for HPV vaccination. Relevant behavioral skills included disclosure of sexual orientation and comfort discussing HPV vaccination. Concerns about vaccine cost, access, and convenience were salient barriers to initiating and completing the series. Encouragement from a health care provider was cited as the primary reason for receiving the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: When developing interventions to increase HPV vaccination among young sexual minority men, it is important to address facilitators and barriers that reflect the unique needs of this population.

Mobile App Strategy to Facilitate Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Pilot Intervention Study

“…The study questionnaire supported previous research [16] that young MSM view HPV vaccination as an important preventative health intervention. However, similar to other studies, results indicate a continued need to enhance knowledge regarding HPV vaccine safety, appropriateness of vaccination for MSM, and HPV-associated cancers in men (eg, anal cancer) [16][17][18]30]. Interventions aimed at reducing stigmas and increasing access to MSM-affirming health environments that also provide inclusive health education show promise [12,16,18] and are warranted, so that young MSM can comfortably seek health care and gain knowledge of risks and complications associated with HPV disease among MSM.…”

“…Design thinking utilizes empathy to guide a collaborative, codesign process centered on end user needs, wants, and behaviors to create solutions that engage the target audience [29]. The mHealth tool sought to bridge the intention-behavior gap by addressing known barriers to vaccination among young MSM [12,[16][17][18]30]. The tool also served as a bridge between the virtual community and an MSM-affirming health center.…”

Human Papillomavirus associated prevention: knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risks among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Pakistan: a qualitative study

“…Up until our study participation in this study, most of the MSM and all transgender women were neither having any awareness or knowledge of HPV infection, which are generally consistent with the studies done in the US, UK Canada, Peru and different parts of Asian continent [47][48][49][50][51][52][53] nor were they aware about its negative heath consequences i.e., the association between HPV infection and anal warts and HPVs causal role in cancer development [48,[54][55][56][57] Moreover, since had no knowledge, and even after the participants were given standardized information about HPV, their perceived self-risk for HPV and HPV related diseases was also low i.e., that men can experience negative effects from HPV infection which is consistent with other studies [52,[58][59][60].…”

Development and feasibility of a Configurable Assessment Messaging Platform for Interventions (CAMPI).

“…The CAMPI system has been used for txt2protect , an intervention aimed at increasing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young (aged 18–25) sexual minority men (Gerend et al, 2019). Participants ( n = 140) were randomly assigned to receive SMS messages that focused primarily on HPV vaccination (treatment condition) or a variety of sexual health practices (e.g., condom use, HIV testing) with only brief mention of HPV vaccination (control condition; see Figure 2).…”