Factors that Predict HPV Vaccination Behavior Among Young Men-Who-Have-Sex-with-Men in the Greater Philadelphia Region

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the USA. HPV is acknowledged as one of the leading causes of anal cancer, with an increased risk in men who have sex with men (MSM), when compared to age-matched heterosexual men. This study highlights the various factors that influence and impede HPV vaccination uptake among a multiracial cohort of young-MSM (YMSM). A total of 444 participants aged 18 to 27 in the Greater Philadelphia region completed an online survey. Approximately 75.79% ( n = 335) of participants did not receive at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Having a healthcare provider recommendation (OR = 25.54, 95% CI: 25.54–85.42, p < 0.001) and a one unit increase in experiences of adverse effects of stigma and homophobia (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.044) were associated with a greater likelihood of receiving the HPV vaccine uptake. Having a greater number of sexual partners (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75–0.97, p = 0.014) and having had condomless anal sex in the past 6 months (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15–0.58, p < 0.001) were associated with a lower odds of HPV vaccine uptake. In conclusion, healthcare provider-focused interventions and educational programs are needed to increase awareness and uptake of the HPV vaccine to mitigate the risks associated with sexual behaviors among this population.

Examining the Patterns of Mpox Vaccine Uptake in a Vulnerable Population

“…The higher vaccine adherence in the Tel Aviv district was reflected in other studies showing higher HPV vaccination and healthcare utilization in other metropolitan areas 14 . For example, a study showed HPV vaccine adherence among MSM to be 83% when vaccination was recommended by a healthcare provider, compared with only 5% when no such recommendation was precised 8,9,15 . The main Israel LGBT clinics are located in the Tel Aviv district and, to our knowledge, were more likely to recommend the MVA vaccine to their patients.…”

“…14 For example, a study showed HPV vaccine adherence among MSM to be 83% when vaccination was recommended by a healthcare provider, compared with only 5% when no such recommendation was precised. 8,9,15 The main Israel LGBT clinics are located in the Tel Aviv district and, to our knowledge, were more likely to recommend the MVA vaccine to their patients.…”

“…Similarly to the current mpox outbreak, both HPVand COVID-19 infections were shown to disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals. 9,20 Other studies echo this trend, showing that MSM previously vaccinated for hepatitis A were more likely to acquire HPV and COVID-19 vaccinations. 10,16,21 Having HIV was shown to be a risk factor for severe mpox.…”

“…The following data were extracted for each subject: (a) sociodemographic variables, inclosing year of birth, location of the primary healthcare clinic, sociodemographic status score (as defined in the Supplementary, http://links.lww.com/OLQ/A960), and population sector (Israeli Arabs, Ultraorthodox Jews, and the general sector, based on the place of residence); (b) healthcare services utilization, including purchase of HIV-PrEP, purchase of PDE5 inhibitors (introduced as a potential marker of sexual activity), [8][9][10] utilization of primary healthcare services, the performance of STI tests (urine, pharyngeal, or rectal polymerase chain reaction [PCR] tests for chlamydia and N. gonorrhoeae), vaccines utilization (COVID-19, human papillomavirus [HPV], hepatitis A, and hepatitis B); and (c) STIs, including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and chlamydia or N. gonorrhoeae detected in urine, pharyngeal, or rectal PCR tests. The number of urine, pharyngeal, or rectal PCR tests performed was extracted for a period of 18 months before the study (January 2021-June 2022).…”

Factors Related to HPV Vaccination Intention among MSM in China: A Bayesian Network Model

“…Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the factors associated with HPV vaccination intention among the MSM population is vital to increase HPV vaccination coverage among the MSM population. Previous studies have used logistic regression based on independent conditions to explore factors associated with vaccination intention and have used odds ratios (ORs) to reflect the degree of association [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. In reality, factors are often interdependent, and relationships may have a complex network structure.…”