HPV vaccine acceptability in high-risk Greek men

Abstract

HPV is associated with malignancy in men, yet there is a lack of data on HPV knowledge, vaccine acceptability, and factors affecting vaccine acceptability in Greek men. This study aims to identify determinants of knowledge and willingness to vaccinate against HPV among high-risk Greek men. Men (n = 298) between the ages of 18 and 55 were enrolled from the STI and HIV clinics at "Andreas Syggros" Hospital in Athens, Greece from July-October 2015. Participants completed a survey on demographics, economic factors, sexual history, HPV knowledge, and vaccine acceptability. The majority of participants were younger than 40 (76.6%) and unmarried (84.6%). Our sample was 31.2% MSM (men who have sex with men), and 20.1% were HIV-positive. Most participants (>90%) were aware that HPV is highly prevalent in both men and women; however, fewer identified that HPV causes cancers in both sexes (68%) and that vaccination protects men and women (67%). Amongst participants, 76.7% were willing to vaccinate themselves against HPV, 71.4% an adolescent son, and 69.3% an adolescent daughter. HIV-positive men were more likely to be willing to vaccinate themselves (OR 2.83, p = .015), a son (OR 3.3, p = .015) or a daughter (3.01, p = .020). Higher income levels were associated with increased willingness to vaccinate oneself (OR 1.32, p = .027), a son (1.33, p = .032) or daughter (1.34, p = .027). Although there is a HPV knowledge gap, HPV vaccine acceptability is high despite lack of vaccine promotion to Greek men. Future studies should include lower-risk men to adequately inform public health efforts.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions about Cervical Cancer Risk, Prevention and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Vulnerable Women in Greece

“…Studies in adolescent boys and girls have shown that there is limited knowledge on the oncogenic properties of HPV and lack of awareness on the HPV vaccine, which is more pronounced in boys [ 20 , 31 , 32 ]. Further research is required especially in general, low HPV risk male populations and interventions to increase HPV vaccine awareness.…”

Perceptions of nurses on human papillomavirus vaccinations in the Republic of Korea

“…A Canadian study yielded inconclusive results in including boys for HPV vaccine uptake as universal coverage [33]. Although our finding supports that reasons for vaccinating boys are much less distinct, more disagreement was found among Korean nurses; many studies documented that vaccination of both sexes is strategically important to prevent HPV-attributable diseases for children and their future partners [15, 37, 38].…”

“…More hesitant attitudes emerged among parents who were concerned about side effects and not sure about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine [5, 12]; other barriers to the vaccination were cost and lack of healthcare for adolescents [12]. Willingness to accept HPV vaccine uptake could be affected by economic factors, a supportive culture of vaccination, and general beliefs of vaccine safety and efficacy [15].…”

HPV vaccine for men: Where to? (Review)

“…The most important factors that made a participant unwilling to vaccinate were the fear of side effects, insufficient knowledge about the vaccine and some of them reported that a high cost for the vaccine would make them less likely to vaccinate. In conclusion, the study reported that high-risk Greek men have a high acceptability rate for vaccination against HPV, for themselves or for their sons and daughters (38).…”