Human papillomavirus and vaccine-related perceptions among men who have sex with men: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could prevent HPV-related cancers and genital warts among men who have sex with men (MSM). In order to develop effective vaccination programmes for MSM, it is crucial to understand their knowledge, beliefs about HPV and attitudes towards HPV vaccine. Methods A systematic search of 10 databases examined articles investigating HPV knowledge and HPV-related perceptions among MSM. Each paper was assessed to identify potential research directions in the context of targeted HPV vaccination for MSM. Results We identified 16 studies that included 5185 MSM and conducted mainly in North America. Generally, participants were over 26 years old, had poor-tomoderate knowledge about HPV and were not concerned about HPV-related diseases. Over a half of MSM were willing to accept HPV vaccine, if offered. However, there was large variability in HPV vaccine acceptability, partially due to inconsistencies in methods of ascertainment but also different levels of HPV vaccine awareness. Conclusions Despite several misconceptions and poor knowledge of HPV infection, MSM might be receptive to HPV vaccination. However, further research is needed to identify which factors contribute to potential vaccine uptake in hypothetical MSM-targeted HPV vaccination. Future studies need to target those MSM with little sexual experience, who would benefit most from HPV vaccination.

2016 United Kingdom national guideline on the sexual health care of men who have sex with men

“…Most studies were conducted in North America. Further studies in those with little or no sexual experience, who would benefit most from HPV vaccination are required (334). MSM Guideline Final Accepted version 021117.…”

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

“…A meta-analysis of HPV vaccine acceptability in MSM including data from North America and Australia (where HPV vaccine is offered to boys and MSM up to the age of 26 years through national programs) found that approximately 50% of MSM would accept HPV vaccine. 19 Success of targeted vaccination programs for preventing HPV associated disease such as anal cancer in MSM will greatly depend on high levels of uptake of HPV vaccine.…”

HPV Vaccination for MSM: Synthesis of the evidence and recommendations from the Québec Immunization Committee

“…Regarding the disclosure of homosexual practices, evidence from the literature, mostly based on studies with MSM participants aged 20 years and older, indicates that MSM are willing to disclose their sexual orientation or homosexual practices but only a few years after sexual debut and after having had many different sexual partners. [46][47][48][49] Studies on different age cohorts of MSM showed that young MSM (e.g. 16-20 years old) seem to be more willing to discuss their sexual activities with healthcare professionals than older MSM (e.g., 50 year-old MSM questioned in a study in 2011).…”