Knowledge and Behavioral Intention Related to HPV Vaccination Among Male College Students

ABSTRACT

Background: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is commonly associated with women and cervical cancer, male HPV infection is also a public health concern. In addition to transmission risk to women, HPV is associated with anal, penile, and oral cancers in men and genital warts. Purpose: The study’s purpose was to examine male college students’ HPV knowledge and intention to be HPV vaccinated. Methods: Two hundred and eight college males completed an in-class questionnaire that assessed knowledge and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs of behavioral intention, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms regarding HPV and HPV vaccination. Results: The results of this study suggest that males are open to being HPV vaccinated; however, they lack necessary information on HPV transmission, risks of HPV infection, and the need to be HPV vaccinated. Both subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were found to be significant predictors of male college students’ intentions to be HPV vaccinated. Translation to Health Education Practice: Certified Health Education Specialists should focus on the development of education and behavior change interventions to increase the knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccination among males.