Deconstructing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Knowledge: Objective and Perceived Knowledge in Males' Intentions to Receive the HPV Vaccine

Abstract

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was recently approved for men. To effectively tailor HPV education efforts toward men, it is important to understand what men know about HPV and how this knowledge relates to their decision to receive the vaccine. This study examines how objective HPV knowledge, objective HPV vaccine knowledge, and perceived knowledge (level of confidence in one's HPV knowledge) relate to males' HPV vaccination intentions. Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight college men completed a questionnaire survey assessing their demographics, sexual health, and objective and perceived knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Results: Logistic regression analyses revealed that perceived knowledge and objective HPV vaccine knowledge were associated with vaccination intentions. Perceived knowledge was significantly associated with vaccination intentions even when accounting for objective HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge. Discussion and Translation to Health Education Practice: Perceived knowledge may play an especially important role in motivating men to receive the HPV vaccine. Educational programs that aim to increase HPV vaccine acceptability should foster individual's confidence in their HPV knowledge, beyond providing factual HPV-related information.