Exploring Gender Differences on Risk Taking Behaviors, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Perception of Risk for Human Papillomavirus

Abstract

Objective: To examine gender differences among college students’ HPV knowledge, perception of risk for HPV, and risk-taking behaviors. Methods: Seventy-eight college students from an urban area in the Midwestern United States completed an online survey assessing risk-taking behaviors and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, as well as the HPV vaccine. Univariate and bivariate statistics were used to assess gender differences in knowledge, vaccine acceptance, and sexual behaviors and substance use.Results: The majority of participants identified as gay and reported engaging in substance use and risky sexual behaviors. Females were more knowledgeable about risk factors for cervical cancer, while some differences were identified for vaccine acceptance and screening behavior.Conclusions: Both male and female college students require targeted prevention education that is also sensitive to gender and sexual orientation in order to decrease their risk for HPV, other STDs, cervical cancer, and substance use.