Variables associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance by men

• Published in: Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 34 - 42
• Main Authors: Ferris, Daron G, Waller, Jennifer L, Miller, Jeremiah, Patel, Pratik, Price, George A, Jackson, Lanier, Wilson, Courtesia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2009
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Papillomavirus Infections - prevention & control; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Statistics as Topic; Vaccination - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1557-2625; 1558-7118
• DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2009.01.080008

To determine correlates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance for men. A convenience sample of men aged 18 to 45 years read a one-page information sheet about HPV and the HPV vaccine, then completed a 29-item questionnaire. chi(2) tests were used to determine whether differences in demographic, sexual, and vaccine-related variables existed between levels of wanting the HPV vaccine. Positive correlates of HPV vaccine acceptance included higher education (P < .0001); hispanic ethnicity (P = .0003); wearing a seat belt most of the time (P = .02); regular tobacco use (P = <.001); not being sexually active (P = .0008); history of more than 10 female sexual partners (P = .0004); not having oral sex (P = .045); extreme worry about vaccine side effects (P < .0001); extreme concern about vaccine safety (P < .0001); the importance of getting vaccines (P < .0001); familiarity with HPV (P < .0001); and extreme importance of receiving the HPV vaccine (P < .0001). Men with greater general education, high-risk behaviors, and knowledge about HPV are more likely to want the HPV vaccine. Focused educational efforts should facilitate even wider acceptance of the HPV vaccine by men.