Acceptability of prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccination among adult men

Abstract

Objectives: HPV vaccine acceptability was examined as part of a cohort study of HPV infection among adult males. Methods: Between July 2004 and June 2007, 445 adult males aged ≥18 years were enrolled primarily from a university-based population. A structured questionnaire addressed HPV vaccine awareness, attitudes, and intention to be vaccinated. Results: Overall, 69% of men reported that they were likely or very likely to be vaccinated against HPV if a prophylactic vaccine were available. Men most frequently cited side effects (69%), efficacy (65%), and safety (63%) as the major factors that would influence their decision to be vaccinated against HPV. Issues of vaccine costs and efficacy were important considerations for men of vaccine-eligible ages (18-26 years). Men who cited cost as a major factor in their HPV vaccine decisions and those indicating cost as a potential barrier had greater intention to be vaccinated. Heterosexual men had less intention to be vaccinated compared to men who have sex with men. Conclusion. Acceptability of HPV vaccination among males is generally high. Costs and sexual history may influence vaccine utilization.