Acceptability of HPV Vaccine Among a National Sample of Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

Objective Due to higher rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and anal cancer among gay and bisexual men, we aimed to characterize their willingness to get HPV vaccine and identify correlates of vaccine acceptability. Methods We surveyed a national sample of men aged 18 to 59 who self-identified as either gay (n = 236) or bisexual (n = 70) during January 2009. We analyzed data using multivariate logistic regression. Results Most men had heard of HPV vaccine (73%, 224/306) and were willing to get it (74%, 225/306). HPV vaccine acceptability was higher among men who believed their doctor would recommend getting the vaccine (OR = 12.87, 95% CI: 4.63–35.79) and those who were unsure (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.47–6.76), as compared to men who believed their doctor would not recommend it. Acceptability was also higher among men who reported 5 or more lifetime sexual partners (OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.34–8.55), perceived greater severity of HPV-related disease (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.18–3.14), perceived higher levels of HPV vaccine effectiveness (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.27–3.06), or reported higher levels of anticipated regret if they did not get vaccinated and later developed an HPV infection (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.57–3.61). Conclusions HPV vaccine acceptability was high among gay and bisexual men. These findings identify potentially important beliefs and attitudes for future communication efforts about HPV and HPV vaccine among gay and bisexual men.

HPV vaccine acceptability in HIV-infected and HIV negative men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ireland

“…20,21,22 This may be due to poor knowledge relating to HPV infection, HPV associated disease and HPV vaccine in MSM in Ireland.…”

“…The finding that individual knowledge items relating to HPV infection increases HPV vaccine acceptability supports findings from other similar surveys. [22][23][24][25] Educational interventions should be developed to improve knowledge of HPV infection and associated disease to optimize HPV vaccine acceptability.…”

“…The survey was based on previous published studies examining HPV vaccine acceptability in MSM. 22,23,24 Participants provided verbal informed consent. Recruitment was from 2 sites, a walk in sexual health clinic (The Gay Men's Health Service, GMHS) and a HIV outpatient clinic (The Department of Genitourinary medicine and Infectious Diseases, St James's Hospital, GUIDE) in Dublin Ireland.…”

Acceptance on the move: Public reaction to shifting vaccination realities

“…Twenty-three surveys, all summarized in a recent review in reference 108, predict moderate to high intent for male vaccination against HPV. More recent studies, [109][110][111][112][113][114][115] some of which were conducted post-licensure, corroborate increasing intent for vaccine uptake by males.…”

“…This is gradually being achieved, and recent studies indicate increased levels of knowledge and increased willingness among gay men. 109,110,114 The protective efficacy of the HPV vaccines is high when administered to previously unexposed individuals. 125 Thus if HPV vaccine is targeted to MSM, they will have to get the vaccine before sexual debut.…”