Awareness and utilization of the hepatitis B vaccine among young men in the Ann Arbor area who have sex with men

J Am Coll Health. 1999 Jan;47(4):173-8. doi: 10.1080/07448489909595643.

Abstract

The authors conducted a preliminary assessment of hepatitis B vaccination rates among men 18- to 37-years-old who have sex with men in a college town to determine what proportion were willing to be vaccinated. Participants, who were sampled in gay bars, gay advocacy groups, a swim team, and a dance club, completed a 25-item questionnaire. Sixty-seven percent were aware of the hepatitis B vaccine, yet only 22% had received the full series of three injections; only 37% had been tested for the virus. On a scale of 1 to 10 for willingness to be vaccinated (10 being most willing), 58% indicated a 10 (M = 8.5). Thirty percent indicated they received safer sex information from university health services, and 14% reported they had received hepatitis B vaccination information there. Hepatitis B vaccination of men who have sex with men in college towns should be a high priority for university health services.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bisexuality / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Michigan
  • Risk
  • Sexual Behavior

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines