Should I or shouldn't I: decision making, knowledge and behavioral effects of quadrivalent HPV vaccination in men who have sex with men

Vaccine. 2011 Jan 10;29(3):570-6. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.09.101. Epub 2010 Oct 13.

Abstract

Prior to FDA licensure in men, a surgical practice (SG) offered the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (qHPV) off-label to men who have sex with men (MSM). We administered a written or telephone survey to MSM to elicit drivers and barriers to vaccination, sexual behavior changes post-vaccination, and knowledge. 191 subjects enrolled: 68 refused qHPV, 71 received qHPV <1 year ago, and 52 received qHPV >1 year ago. History of HPV infection (86%, n=164) and level of HPV and qHPV knowledge were high, with a mean of 10.8 of 13 knowledge questions correct. Ninety-seven percent of participants understood that qHPV does not cure present infection or disease. MSM refused qHPV for reasons including cost and not FDA approved; prevention of future HPV infection was the paramount driver for immunization. Vaccination did not affect sexual behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Decision Making
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / immunology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vaccination*

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines