Let's Talk About HPV: Examining College Male Perceptions of the HPV Vaccine

Abstract

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Males have been identified as playing a major role in the transmission and acquisition of human papillomavirus, thus placing themselves and their partners at greater risk for certain types of cancer. Through this study the authors sought to develop a better understanding of college males' perceptions regarding human papillomavirus and the human papillomavirus vaccine. Results provide an initial understanding of college males' perceptions of human papillomavirus and the vaccine as a means of establishing a baseline for determining appropriate health communication messages.

Keywords:

• College Males
• Diffusion of Innovations
• Health Belief Model
• HPV
• Sexually Transmitted Infection
• Vaccination

Notes

The same vaccine that is available for females was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2009 for use in boys and men ages 9–26. At the time the data were collected for this study (i.e., February to March 2009), the vaccine was not available (FDA, 2009). Therefore, the results of this study reflect college males' perceptions of the vaccine based on the notion that it was under development and not yet released.

Recent research has revealed that the Gardasil® vaccine is 90% effective in protecting male teens and young men (Giuliano et al., 2011).

The questioning guide is available from the first author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sydney M. Staggers

Sydney M. Staggers (PhD, West Virginia University, 2012) is the Director of Member Communications and Engagement for Nurtur Health.

Maria Brann

Maria Brann (PhD, University of Kentucky, 2003) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Affiliate Faculty with the Injury Control Research Center, and Associate Member with the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University.

Shannon M. Maki

Shannon M. Maki (MS, Towson University, 2006) is a doctoral candidate at West Virginia University.