Male Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Research Articles

High burden of human papillomavirus infection among men in Guangzhou, South China: Implications for HPV vaccination strategies.

The epidemiological and clinical aspects of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women have been extensively studied. However, there is a lack of information regarding HPV characteristics in males. In this study, we conducted a retrospective and observational study of 3737 consecutive male individuals attending outpatient clinics of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital from 2012 to 2023 in Guangzhou, South China, to determine the age- and genotype-specific prevalence of HPV in men. The results showed the overall prevalence of HPV among men was 42.15% (1575/3737), with variations ranging from 29.55% to 81.31% across distinct diagnostic populations. Low-risk HPV6 (15.47%), HPV11 (8.94%), and high-risk HPV52 (5.51%) were the most common types. The annual HPV prevalence decreased significantly (Z = -3.882, p < .001), ranging from 31.44% to 52.90%. 28.77% (1075/3737) of men manifested infection with a singular HPV type, predominantly identified as a low-risk type. The age-specific distribution of HPV infections revealed distinctive peaks in the < 25 y age group (47.60%, 208/437) and the 40-44 y age group (44.51%, 154/346). Notably, the positive rate of Chlamydia trachomatis was significantly higher among HPV-positive individuals in comparison to HPV-negatives (16.14% vs. 11.25%, p < .05). Our findings reveal a substantial prevalence of HPV infection among outpatient men in Guangzhou, South China. It is recommended to consider the inclusion of HPV vaccination for adolescent males in national immunization schedules, once an adequate supply of vaccines is accessible.

HPV positivity status in males is related to the acquisition of HPV infection in females in heterosexual couples

PurposeFew studies have focused on the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity in male partners on female HPV infection and cervical lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the HPV infection status of husbands on wives’ cervical HPV infection and lesions.MethodsWe surveyed 251 monogamous couples who attended the outpatient department of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from 2013 to 2021. HPV type analysis was performed on exfoliated cells of the females’ cervix and males’ urethra by the PCR-reverse dot blot method. We analyzed the prevalence and consistency of HPV types in 251 couples. Subsequently, the risk of HPV infection in females with HPV-positive male partners was analyzed. SPSS version 26 (IBM, Chicago, USA) was used for statistical analysis.ResultsIn 251 couples, the most commonly detected high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes were 52, 51, 16, and 58 for males and 16, 52, 18, and 58 for females. Wives with HPV-positive husbands had higher infection rates for most HR-HPV genotypes. HR-HPV positivity in husbands was a risk factor for the development of cervical lesions in wives (OR = 2.250, P = 0.014). Both single-type (OR = 2.085, P = 0.040) and multiple-type (OR = 2.751, P = 0.036) infection in husbands will contributed to an increased risk of non-HR-HPV infection and cervical lesions in wives.ConclusionHusbands’ HPV positivity increases the burden of non-HR-HPV infection and increases the risk of cervical lesions developing in wives. It is hoped to provide a reference value for cervical cancer prevention in females and HPV vaccination in males.

Acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among General Men and Men with a Same-Sex Orientation and Its Influencing Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine reduces the prevalence of genital warts and the cancers they are associated with in males. However, the vaccination of males has always been neglected. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehend the acceptability of the HPV vaccine in men and the factors impacting vaccination intentions. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, CNKI, and Wan Fang up to 5 July 2023 for studies that reported HPV vaccine acceptance among men. A random effects model was used to obtain the pooled acceptance rate, and subgroup analysis was performed. Then, the influencing factors of HPV vaccination in males were analyzed. A total of 57 studies with 32,962 samples were included in the analysis. The overall acceptance rate of the HPV vaccine in general men was 47.04% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 39.23-54.93%), and 62.23% (95% CI: 52.93-71.10%) among those whose sexual orientation contained men. HPV vaccine acceptance rates differed significantly between the two populations (p = 0.01). The population with a medical background (46.23%, 95% CI: 40.28-52.24%) was more willing to be vaccinated. In comparison to the employed population (66.93%, 95% CI: 48.79-82.81%) and the unemployed (68.44%, 95% CI: 52.82-82.23%), vaccination acceptance rates were lower among students (47.35%, 95% CI: 37.00-57.81%) (p = 0.04). The most significant barriers to vaccination were perceived low risk of infection for themselves (45.91%, 95% CI: 31.73-60.43%), followed by vaccine cost (43.46%, 95% CI: 31.20-56.13%). Moreover, the recommendations from medical professionals (60.90%, 95%CI: 44.23-76.37%) and sexual partners (60.09%, 95%CI: 27.11-88.67%) were significant factors in promoting vaccination. Overall, acceptance of the HPV vaccine among general men was at a lower level, despite being slightly higher among men with a same-sex orientation. Popularizing knowledge about diseases and vaccines, encouraging medical professionals to recommend vaccines to men, or reducing the cost of vaccines may promote HPV vaccination.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination among male nurses.

This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of male nurses towards human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination and to examine whether knowledge about the HPV vaccine affects attitudes and beliefs about HPV vaccines. HPV is responsible for ≈5% of all cancers worldwide. Therefore, vaccination against HPV is recommended to prevent HPV infections and HPV-related cancers in men and women. The study group included 383 male nurses who were asked to complete online questionnaires. The data were collected using the following tools: a sociodeomographical characteristics form, the Human Papillomavirus Knowledge Scale (HPVKS), and The Carolina HPV Immunization Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CHIAS). It was determined that the general HPV knowledge of the male nurses participating in the study was at a moderate level, but their knowledge of HPV screening test, HPV vaccination, and current HPV vaccination programmes were at a low level. Male nurses' HPV vaccination rates were relatively low, and most of them did not intend to be vaccinated. In addition, CHIAS Attitudes and Beliefs scores of the male nurses were at an average level and HPV knowledge affected the attitudes and beliefs of the nurses. These results demonstrate an opportunity to improve information and awareness about HPV and vaccines by nursing education.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in males: Associations of HPV-related knowledge and perceptions with HPV vaccination intention among Korean mothers of boys

ObjectivesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among males are suboptimal worldwide. In South Korea, little is known about parents’ intention to vaccinate boys against HPV. Therefore, we examined the associations of HPV-related knowledge and perceptions with vaccination intention among Korean mothers of boys. MethodsFrom August to December 2021, eligible mothers were surveyed about HPV-related knowledge, perceptions, and intention to vaccinate their sons against HPV. Mothers were categorized into no intention, contemplating, and intention to vaccinate groups. Using analysis of variance, we compared the groups’ scores on the scales measuring HPV-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. We conducted a multinomial logistic regression analysis to assess the associations between the variables and vaccination intention. ResultsAmong 361 mothers, 43.9 % had no intention, 60.7 % were contemplating, and 4.4 % intended to vaccinate their sons. The mean percentage of correct answers on the HPV and vaccine knowledge scales were 52.5 % and 62.3 %, respectively. The mean scores on the HPV attitudes and beliefs subscales were significantly different. Higher scores on benefits (OR = 3.04, 95 % CI 1.96 – 4.70; OR = 3.94, 95 % CI 1.54 – 10.70) and influence (OR = 1.48, 95 % CI 1.03 – 2.13; OR = 2.97, 95 % CI 1.44 – 6.14) were associated with contemplating the vaccine and intending to vaccinate sons. Knowledge was not associated with mothers’ vaccination intention. ConclusionsPublic health authorities and healthcare providers in Korea can use the results of this study to implement effective interventions that emphasize the importance of male HPV vaccination and encourage parent-son communication about the vaccine.

Abstract C101: Development of an educational text messaging program to improve human papillomavirus awareness, knowledge, and vaccination intention among Korean young adults in the U.S.

Abstract Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common HPV-associated cancer, and Korean Americans (KAs) experience one of the highest CC incidence and mortality rates among Asian Americans. Awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine are essential in preventing HPV-associated cancers; however, studies emphasize low HPV awareness and knowledge among KAs. Although HPV causes cancers in both men and women, there exist misconceptions that the HPV vaccine is only for women and not for men. Furthermore, research on HPV vaccination among KAs has been conducted mostly among women. The health belief model (HBM) is a value-expectancy theory that is used to explain and predict individual changes in health behaviors and has been used in multiple studies that aimed to understand HPV vaccination behavior. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop an HBM guided text messaging program to increase HPV awareness, knowledge, and HPV vaccination among Korean young adults in the U.S. Methods: A total of 10 Korean young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 completed the mixed methods study. The survey examined HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer awareness and knowledge, beliefs, and vaccination intention. The qualitative interview with cognitive response testing (CRT) of the text messages, which were preconstructed based on previous literature and six constructs of HBM, allowed participants to provide feedback on the comprehension and emotional response to the messages, and any other recommendations to improve the content and delivery of the messages. Results: All participants (N=10) indicated to have never received the HPV vaccine and most participants had no intention to receive the HPV vaccine within one year. Although most of the participants were aware of HPV and HPV vaccine, overall knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer were low. The interviews revealed that reasons for vaccine hesitancy and non-vaccination included cost, inconvenience, and low perceived susceptibility. Especially, there was low perception of the importance of HPV vaccination for males. Overall, findings from the CRT showed that there was a clear understanding of the preconstructed text messages. There was a consensus on the duration and timing of the messages and participants provided recommendations on the content, tone, and structure of the messages. Using the HBM, participants’ feedback on HPV awareness, knowledge, and vaccination intention, the text messaging library was revised and includes a total of 9 text messages over the four days. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into the development of an educational text messaging program among Korean young adults in the U.S. Current study will build a foundation for an educational mobile health program to help increase awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV-associated cancers, as well as HPV vaccination intention, and impact HPV-associated cancer rates among KAs through vaccination in the long term. Citation Format: Min Jeong Jeon, Daisy Le. Development of an educational text messaging program to improve human papillomavirus awareness, knowledge, and vaccination intention among Korean young adults in the U.S. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C101.

Maternal perceptions of vaccinating boys against human papillomavirus (HPV) in Seoul, South Korea: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is of paramount importance to reduce HPV-associated cancers in both genders. In South Korea, the prophylactic vaccine is recognized as prevention of cervical cancer with little attention given to male HPV vaccination. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of male HPV vaccination and underlying factors for vaccine hesitancy among mothers of unvaccinated boys in Seoul, Korea using a qualitative method. We used a purposive sampling strategy to recruit mothers of unvaccinated middle school-aged boys living in one of the 25 districts in Seoul, supplemented by a snowball sampling approach. We conducted one-on-one telephone interviews with ten mothers using a semi-structured interview guide. Questions probed mothers' views on vaccinating boys against HPV and the reasons for not vaccinating their sons. We found that mothers were hesitant to vaccinate their sons against HPV due to high out-of-pocket costs, fear of side effects concerning the young age of their sons, and low awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine, all of which stemmed from the exclusion of male HPV vaccination in the national immunization program. Sociocultural factors, including vaccination norms, lack of HPV education, and values associated with sexually transmitted infections were also likely to negatively impact mothers' vaccination decision-making. Despite the barriers, mothers were willing to accept HPV vaccination when it was framed as cancer prevention for not only the sons but also their future spouses. In conclusion, reasons for Korean mothers' hesitancy for their sons' HPV vaccine uptake were multifaceted. Healthcare providers' role in emphasizing and conveying the importance of gender-neutral HPV vaccination will be essential to alleviate negative sentiments around the vaccine for boys and reduce their risk of compromised sexual health. As an effective public health strategy, tailored cancer prevention messages should be delivered heightening significant benefits of the HPV vaccine beyond the prevention of cervical cancer.

The Factors and Benefits of HPV Vaccination on Males

A common globally infection source transmited by sex is human papillomavirus (HPV) , and vaccines are an effective means of suppression. Although men have played an essential role in HPV transmission, low vaccination intention of the male has been found. Studies of male HPV vaccination acceptance have focused on exploration variables to research predictors that influence the willingness. Most studies have involved only a few variables and lack systematic integration. The report explored cues to actions, perceived barriers, and advantages of male vaccination issues from the perspective of factors influencing male HPV vaccination by reviewing the literature. The study found that cues to actions containing the parents' attitude, the media and health care workers as the source and its narrative, the acceptance of their peers, coverage of health insurance, as well as the benefits of prevention as the primary purpose are closely associated with vaccination. Low levels of knowledge, low degree of risk perception, shame, and skepticism might interfere with male vaccination as the main blocks. This result would be conducive to the targeted promotion of HPV jab and the rise of the vaccination rate among men of the appropriate age.

HPV Vaccination Adherence in Working-Age Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in the world. HPV vaccination adherence rates in men are generally lower than in women. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess adherence to HPV vaccination in young working-age males (18-30 years old). A systematic review was performed using three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). After duplicate removal, the initial search resulted in 478 eligible papers. With the exclusion of 425 papers after screening the abstracts, full texts of 53 articles were reviewed. Subsequently, 45 were excluded. Among the eight studies included, four (50%) examined the vaccination adherence in young adults through data registered in nationwide insurance or private companies' databases, three (37.5%) in young adults in different settings through data collected from surveys and questionnaires, and one (12.5%) an HPV vaccination campaign in a family medicine residency practice. Adherence to HPV vaccination in men of working age (18-30 years) does not appear to be adequate (pooled prevalence 11%). In order to achieve a higher level of compliance, it is important to place an emphasis on vaccination campaigns in schools as well as in the workplace, after consultation with and approval from local, regional, and federal public health agencies.

Upper age limits for US male human papillomavirus vaccination for oropharyngeal cancer prevention: a microsimulation-based modeling study.

Human papillomavirus (HVP)-positive oropharyngeal cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer in the United States. The age at acquisition of oral HPV infections that cause oropharyngeal cancer (causal infections) is unknown; consequently, the benefit of vaccination of US men aged 27-45 years remains uncertain. We developed a microsimulation-based, individual-level, state-transition model of oral HPV16 and HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancer among heterosexual US men aged 15-84 years, calibrated to population-level data. We estimated the benefit of vaccination of men aged 27-45 years for prevention of oropharyngeal cancer, accounting for direct- and indirect effects (ie, herd effects) of male and female vaccination. In the absence of vaccination, most (70%) causal oral HPV16 infections are acquired by age 26 years, and 29% are acquired between ages 27 and 45 years. Among men aged 15-45 years in 2021 (1976-2006 birth cohorts), status quo vaccination of men through age 26 years is estimated to prevent 95% of 153 450 vaccine-preventable cancers. Assuming 100% vaccination in 2021, extending the upper age limit to 30, 35, 40, or 45 years for men aged 27-45 years (1976-1994 cohorts) is estimated to yield small benefits (3.0%, 4.2%, 5.1%, and 5.6% additional cancers prevented, respectively). Importantly, status quo vaccination of men through age 26 years is predicted to result in notable declines in HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancer incidence in young men by 2035 (51% and 24% declines at ages 40-44 years and 45-49 years, respectively) and noticeable declines (12%) overall by 2045. Most causal oral HPV16 infections in US men are acquired by age 26 years, underscoring limited benefit from vaccination of men aged 27-45 years for prevention of HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancers.

Childhood immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Siracusa, Italy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted routine immunization activities and a decline in vaccination coverage has been documented around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccination coverage in the Province of Siracusa, Italy. We compared 2020 and 2019 vaccination coverage by age group and vaccine type. Results were considered statistically significant at a two-tailed p-value ≤ 0.05. Our findings show that vaccination coverage rates for mandatory and recommended vaccinations decreased in 2020 compared with the previous year (range from -1.4% to -7.8%). Anti-rotavirus vaccination increased (+4.8%, as compared to 2019), while the reductions observed for polio vaccination (hexavalent) and human papillomavirus vaccination in males were not statistically significant. The reduction did not hit the population in the same manner, with the greater decreases observed for children aged > 24 months compared to the younger (-5.7% vs -2.2%) and for booster doses compared to the primary vaccinations (-6.4% vs -2.6%). This study found that vaccination coverage of routine childhood immunisations was negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Province of Siracusa. It is of huge importance to put in place some catch-up programs to ensure vaccinations at the earliest of individuals who missed immunization during the pandemic.

Global Pattern and Trends in Penile Cancer Incidence: Population-Based Study.

BackgroundPenile cancer is a relatively rare genital malignancy whose incidence and mortality are rising in many countries.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the recent incidence and mortality patterns and incidence trends of penile cancer.MethodsThe age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASIR and ASMR, respectively) of penile cancer in 2020 were estimated from the Global Cancer Registries (GLOBOCAN) database. Incidence trends of penile cancer from 1973 to 2012 were assessed in 44 populations from 43 countries using the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents plus (CI5plus) and the Nordic Cancer Registries (NORDCAN) databases. Average annual percentage change was calculated to quantify trends in ASIR using joinpoint regression.ResultsGlobally, the estimated ASIR and ASMR of penile cancer were 0.80 (per 100,000) and 0.29 (per 100,000) in 2020, equating to 36,068 new cases and 13,211 deaths in 2020, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the ASIR (P=.05) or ASMR (P=.90) and Human Development Index. In addition, 15 countries saw increasing ASIR for penile cancer, 13 of which were from Europe (United Kingdom, Lithuania, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Netherlands, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia, Russia, and the Czech), and 2 from Asia (China and Israel).ConclusionsAlthough the developing countries still bear the higher incidence and mortality of penile cancer, the incidence is on the rise in most European countries. To mitigate the disease burden resulting from penile cancer, measures to lower the risk for penile cancers, including improving penile hygiene and male human papillomavirus vaccination, may be warranted.

Factors Influencing Men's Attitudes toward HPV Vaccination in Males Included in the Chinese National Immunization Program.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and it is associated with anogenital warts and oropharyngeal and anogenital cancers. Among female malignant tumors in China, the incidence of cervical cancer ranks second, with only breast cancer being more prevalent. HPV infection and related diseases affects both women and men. HPV vaccination is an optimal prevention strategy in preventing HPV infection and related diseases. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the national immunization program is an effective way to increase immunization coverage, reduce the burden of HPV related diseases, and increase national life expectancy. Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the attitudes of Chinese men toward the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in males included in the national immunization program, thus providing reference for launching the national immunization program policy. Methods: We invited men aged 20 to 45 to participate in an online survey. The participants were requested to complete a questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavior characteristics, knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine, and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine. A logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors of attitudes. Results: A total of 660 males in China participated in this survey, and 80.45% supported the inclusion of HPV vaccines in national immunization programs. Participants earning CNY 100,000–200,000 (dds ratio (OR): 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39–1.00) or ≥200,000 (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17–0.68) were more likely to disapprove this strategy. Compared with people without a history of HPV infection, those with a history of HPV infection (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.17–2.90) were more likely to approve. Men who had better knowledge of HPV were more likely to approve than men with less knowledge about HPV (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.17–1.79). Compared with participants who did not know when the HPV vaccine should be given, those who knew that the ideal time of vaccination is before an individual becomes sexually active (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.04–2.95) were more likely to approve. Conclusion: One in five men did not support the inclusion of HPV vaccines in national immunization programs, and they are likely to be from higher socioeconomic background and have poor knowledge of HPV. In order to implement comprehensive immunity, targeted actions need to be taken at national and public levels. In addition, when implementing measures, more attention needs to be paid to lower income men, men without a history of HPV infection and with poor knowledge of HPV, as well as young men.

Safety of 4-valent human papillomavirus vaccine in males: a large observational post-marketing study

ABSTRACT The 4-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (4vHPV vaccine), Gardasil®, is indicated for the prevention of several HPV-related diseases. The objective was to assess the safety of 4vHPV vaccine administered to males as part of routine care. The study used a US health insurance claims database, and included males, age 9 to 26 years, who initiated 4vHPV between October 2009 and December 2016. General safety outcomes were identified using ICD diagnosis codes associated with emergency room visits and hospitalizations in the claims database in risk periods (Days 1–60 and Days 1–14 following vaccine administration) and self-comparison periods (Days 91–150 and 91–104 for the Days 1–60 and Days 1–14 analysis, respectively). Incidence rates (IRs) and relative rates (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated comparing the risk and self-comparison periods. In this study, 114,035 males initiated 4vHPV vaccine and received 202,737 doses. Using the 60-day time window, 5 outcomes had significantly elevated RRs after accounting for multiple comparisons: ear conditions (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.59); otitis media and related conditions (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.09–2.54); cellulitis and abscess of arm (RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.06–4.72); intracranial injury (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.50); and concussion (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05–1.59). A higher rate of allergic reactions was noted on the day of 4vHPV vaccine receipt compared to other vaccines (21.07 events per 10,000 doses, 95% CI 18.89–23.44 versus 11.44 per 10,000 doses, 95% CI 9.84–13.22). A higher incidence rate of VTE was observed following vaccination but this association was not significant (RR 2.17, 95% CI 0.35–22.74). The 4vHPV vaccine was associated with same-day allergic reactions as well as ear infections, intracranial injury, cellulitis, and concussion within 2 months after vaccination. While allergic reaction and cellulitis are consistent with the known safety profile of 4vHPV vaccine, the association of the other outcomes were determined by an independent Safety Review Committee to be most likely a result of activities common in adolescent males that coincide with the timing of vaccination and not directly related to vaccination itself. Implications and Contributions: The study results support the general safety of routine immunization with 4vHPV vaccine among males to prevent HPV-related diseases and cancers.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Intent among Mothers of Adolescent Sons: A National Survey on HPV Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs in South Korea.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting both males and females but there is an apparent lack of knowledge and apprehension towards male HPV vaccination South Korea. The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between knowledge and perceptions of male HPV vaccination and vaccination intent among Korean mothers of adolescent sons. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a nationwide online survey. The independent variables were mothers' sociodemographic characteristics, history of HPV diagnosis, general HPV knowledge, HPV vaccine knowledge, and attitudes and beliefs towards male HPV vaccination. The outcome variable was mothers' intent to vaccinate their sons, which was classified into three categories: non-intent, undecided and intend to vaccinate. We performed univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis. A total of 906 eligible mothers completed the survey. Mothers received low scores on the HPV-related knowledge scales with low ratings on the scale measuring perceived risk of HPV. Approximately 10% of the mothers intended to vaccinate their sons against HPV, 61.0% were undecided and 1.5% already had their sons vaccinated. According to the multinominal logistic regression analysis, having a daughter in the family, mothers' previous diagnosis with HPV, general HPV knowledge, influence, harm, and risk were significantly associated with being undecided and having intentions to vaccinate their sons (p<0.05). Our study revealed that Korean mothers are generally less aware of male HPV vaccination, have low perceived risk of HPV, and remain highly hesitant on vaccinating their sons against HPV. It is therefore important to raise public awareness about male HPV vaccination and alleviate vaccine hesitancy. Such efforts will contribute to improving parents' vaccination intent, increasing vaccine uptake among male adolescents and prevention of HPV-associated diseases.

HPV vaccine awareness, knowledge and information sources among youth in Switzerland: a mixed methods study

ObjectivesWe aimed to provide a detailed characterisation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness, knowledge and information sources in the HPV vaccine decision-making process of youth, both male and female, in...

남자 청소년을 둔 학부모 대상 HPV 및 HPV 백신 지식 관련 교육 전후 지식과 태도의 변화 : 서울시 동대문구 지역을 중심으로

Background and objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally and is responsible for multiple clinical outcomes, including genital warts and cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite the well established burden of HPV on both men and women, vaccine uptake among men is critically low in Korea. A preliminary step to combat this issue is to target parents of male adolescents. In the present study, we aimed to assess any change observed in parents’ HPV knowledge and attitudes towards male HPV and subsequent willingness to vaccinate their sons following an HPV educational intervention. Methods: On November 14, 2020, a one-time HPV educational session was conducted and parents (n=136) completed self-administered pre-/post-test questionnaires that included previously validated survey items. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate change in HPV-related knowledge, attitudes and intent for HPV vaccination. Results: Following the intervention, participants reported increased scores in HPV and vaccine related knowledge by approximately 4 and 1.5 points, respectively (p<.001). Parents scored higher on perceived benefits of the vaccine, perceived social influence on vaccination decision and perceived severity of diseases caused by HPV infections, whereas lower scores were observed for perceived harm of the vaccine, and difficulties communicating with their sons about sex and HPV vaccination. Following the intervention, those without the intent to vaccinate their sons significantly decreased and those who intended to vaccinate their sons though not in the next six months significantly increased (χ2=33.045, p<.001) Conclusion: Our educational intervention resulted in an increase in HPV-related knowledge with a positive impact on parents’ attitudes toward male HPV vaccination. We expect that this study can serve as a pivotal reference to promote the unexplored issue of HPV vaccination among male adolescents in Korea.

Acceptance of the HPV Vaccine in a Multiethnic Sample of Latinx Mothers.

This descriptive qualitative study explored Latinx mothers' acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for their adolescent children. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a hybrid method of thematic analysis that incorporated deductive and inductive approaches. Twenty-two (n = 22), mostly foreign-born, Latinx mothers of male and female adolescents participated in the study. Three main themes and nine subthemes emerged from the analyses. Findings identified the need for increased efforts to raise awareness and knowledge among Latinx mothers of the direct benefits of the HPV vaccine for sons, including stressing prevention of HPV-associated cancers in males. Findings also underscore the need for improved health care providers' communication and recommendation of the HPV vaccine for Latinx adolescent males. Future research should intervene upon the study's findings to address barriers that remain and affect Latinx mothers' acceptance and uptake of the HPV vaccine for their children, in particular their sons.

Using The Health Belief Model to Explore Female's Perceptions of Male HPV Vaccination

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccination is an effective method of preventing cervical cancer and genital warts. The present study examined females’ perceptions of male HPV vaccination. Methods: Participants were females (N = 306) from one Midwestern university. Results: Results indicated significant differences in perceived benefits to male HPV vaccination students’ based on grade and knowing a male/female that had the vaccine. No significant differences in perceived barriers were found in the study. Conclusions: These findings should be considered when developing programs aimed at educating students on the male HPV vaccine. The role of females in increasing male HPV vaccination rates should be considered.

“I don’t Think He Needs the HPV Vaccine Cause Boys Can’t Have Cervical Cancer”: a Qualitative Study of Latina Mothers’ (Mis) Understandings About Human Papillomavirus Transmission, Associated Cancers, and the Vaccine

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States and etiologically linked to several types of cancers including the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynges. Evidence indicates certain types of HPV-associated cancers disproportionally affect Latinos in the United States. This qualitative study sought to explore Latina mothers' perceptions and understanding of HPV infection, HPV-associated cancers, and the HPV vaccination for their adolescent sons and daughters. Twenty-two individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted in 2018-2019 with mothers who had at least one child between the ages of 11 and 19years. Data were analyzed using a hybrid method of thematic analysis that incorporated deductive and inductive approaches. Two major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) mothers' (mis) understanding about HPV infection transmission and HPV-associated cancer risk for girls and boys, and (2) mothers' (mis) understandings about the HPV vaccination for girls and boys. Results found that most mothers had inadequate understanding of HPV transmission, HPV-associated cancer risk for males, and need to vaccinate boys against the virus for their own personal health and prevention of HPV-associated cancers. Findings suggest that interventions should focus on improving Latina mothers' understanding of HPV transmission, addressing the lack or inadequate knowledge about HPV-associated cancer risk for males, as well as misconceptions about the importance of the HPV vaccination for males for their personal health and the prevention of HPV-associated cancers. Future research should quantify Latino parents' awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine for their sons and daughters.