Abstract 4457: Knowledge and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among high-risk men attending an STD clinic in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Abstract Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Men aren't exempt from HPV-related cancers. Due to the recent recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control to vaccinate young men against HPV, understanding HPV knowledge and the factors that might influence HPV vaccine acceptability is fundamental for effective prevention programs. Given that a high incidence and mortality rate of HPV-related cancers (oral, penile, anal), particularly among high-risk populations in Puerto Rico, studies which evaluate knowledge and willingness of the HPV vaccine are necessary. Objective: To describe HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptability among men younger than 26 years old who attend the ‘Centro Latino Americano de Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual’ (CLETS) in Puerto Rico. Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 206 HIV+/HIV- men 18 years and older was conducted. Survey included demographic characteristics and assessments of sexual practices, alcohol, cigarette and drug-related risks. Also, study evaluated the study participant's HPV knowledge, perceived risk and vaccine acceptability. Only those participants younger than 26 years old were included in this analysis (n=46 or 22.8% of the total sample). Descriptive statistics analyses were performed in order to describe an epidemiological profile of high-risk men attending the clinic, their knowledge of HPV vaccine and acceptability. Results: The mean age of the study participant was 21.70±2.35 years. Almost half (45.8%) reported visiting the STD clinic for the first time at the time of the interview. More than a third of the study participants reported the use of illicit drugs (34.8%). Regarding sexual identity, 30.4% of them reported being homosexual/bisexual and 30.4% have engaged in the last sexual intercourse in high-risk sexual practices (lack of condom use). Self-reported prevalence of HIV is 6.5%. Among those who met the recommended age criteria for HPV vaccination, less than a third know about the HPV vaccine (28.3%). However, more than half (76.9%) are willing to get vaccinated against the HPV vaccine. Sources of information of the HPV vaccine were by their female sexual partners (20.3%), a female sexual partner who received the vaccine (6.3%) or a male sexual partner (1.5%). Reported reasons that will increase willingness to get vaccinated against HPV among high-risk men include if the physician recommends it (95.7%), if other health care professional recommends it (87.0%) and if the health insurance covers the vaccine (91.3%). Conclusion: Knowledge of the HPV vaccine in high-risk men in Puerto Rico is generally poor. However, within those who know about the vaccine, acceptability is high. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4457. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4457