Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are affected disproportionately by cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, yet rates of HPV vaccination among young MSM are low. Guided by the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills model, the purpose of this study was to identify young sexual minority men's perspectives on HPV vaccination. Methods: Men (N = 29) 18-26 years of age, who identified as gay, bisexual, or queer, completed a semistructured interview. Vaccinated (n = 9) and unvaccinated men (n = 20) were interviewed. The interview assessed knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills related to HPV vaccination as well as relevant contextual factors (e.g., provider recommendation). Interviews were coded for recurring themes. Results: Most participants were aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine; however, misconceptions and knowledge gaps were common with many believing that HPV vaccination was only for women. Motivational factors included perceived advantages (e.g., reducing risk of HPV-related disease) and disadvantages (e.g., stigma) of HPV vaccination, perceived threat of HPV-related disease, and subjective norms for HPV vaccination. Relevant behavioral skills included disclosure of sexual orientation and comfort discussing HPV vaccination. Concerns about vaccine cost, access, and convenience were salient barriers to initiating and completing the series. Encouragement from a health care provider was cited as the primary reason for receiving the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: When developing interventions to increase HPV vaccination among young sexual minority men, it is important to address facilitators and barriers that reflect the unique needs of this population.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 350-356 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | LGBT Health |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 2019 |
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Keywords
- HPV
- human papillomavirus vaccines
- men who have sex with men
- psychosocial factors
- sexual minority
- young adult
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Urology
Cite this
}
A Qualitative Analysis of Young Sexual Minority Men's Perspectives on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination. / Gerend, Mary A.; Madkins, Krystal; Crosby, Shariell; Korpak, Aaron K.; Phillips, Gregory L.; Bass, Michael; Houlberg, Magda; Mustanski, Brian.
In: LGBT Health, Vol. 6, No. 7, 10.2019, p. 350-356.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - A Qualitative Analysis of Young Sexual Minority Men's Perspectives on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination
AU - Gerend, Mary A.
AU - Madkins, Krystal
AU - Crosby, Shariell
AU - Korpak, Aaron K.
AU - Phillips, Gregory L.
AU - Bass, Michael
AU - Houlberg, Magda
AU - Mustanski, Brian
PY - 2019/10
Y1 - 2019/10
N2 - Men who have sex with men (MSM) are affected disproportionately by cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, yet rates of HPV vaccination among young MSM are low. Guided by the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills model, the purpose of this study was to identify young sexual minority men's perspectives on HPV vaccination. Methods: Men (N = 29) 18-26 years of age, who identified as gay, bisexual, or queer, completed a semistructured interview. Vaccinated (n = 9) and unvaccinated men (n = 20) were interviewed. The interview assessed knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills related to HPV vaccination as well as relevant contextual factors (e.g., provider recommendation). Interviews were coded for recurring themes. Results: Most participants were aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine; however, misconceptions and knowledge gaps were common with many believing that HPV vaccination was only for women. Motivational factors included perceived advantages (e.g., reducing risk of HPV-related disease) and disadvantages (e.g., stigma) of HPV vaccination, perceived threat of HPV-related disease, and subjective norms for HPV vaccination. Relevant behavioral skills included disclosure of sexual orientation and comfort discussing HPV vaccination. Concerns about vaccine cost, access, and convenience were salient barriers to initiating and completing the series. Encouragement from a health care provider was cited as the primary reason for receiving the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: When developing interventions to increase HPV vaccination among young sexual minority men, it is important to address facilitators and barriers that reflect the unique needs of this population.
AB - Men who have sex with men (MSM) are affected disproportionately by cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection, yet rates of HPV vaccination among young MSM are low. Guided by the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills model, the purpose of this study was to identify young sexual minority men's perspectives on HPV vaccination. Methods: Men (N = 29) 18-26 years of age, who identified as gay, bisexual, or queer, completed a semistructured interview. Vaccinated (n = 9) and unvaccinated men (n = 20) were interviewed. The interview assessed knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills related to HPV vaccination as well as relevant contextual factors (e.g., provider recommendation). Interviews were coded for recurring themes. Results: Most participants were aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine; however, misconceptions and knowledge gaps were common with many believing that HPV vaccination was only for women. Motivational factors included perceived advantages (e.g., reducing risk of HPV-related disease) and disadvantages (e.g., stigma) of HPV vaccination, perceived threat of HPV-related disease, and subjective norms for HPV vaccination. Relevant behavioral skills included disclosure of sexual orientation and comfort discussing HPV vaccination. Concerns about vaccine cost, access, and convenience were salient barriers to initiating and completing the series. Encouragement from a health care provider was cited as the primary reason for receiving the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: When developing interventions to increase HPV vaccination among young sexual minority men, it is important to address facilitators and barriers that reflect the unique needs of this population.
KW - HPV
KW - human papillomavirus vaccines
KW - men who have sex with men
KW - psychosocial factors
KW - sexual minority
KW - young adult
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85073484715&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85073484715&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0086
DO - 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0086
M3 - Article
C2 - 31556791
AN - SCOPUS:85073484715
VL - 6
SP - 350
EP - 356
JO - LGBT Health
JF - LGBT Health
SN - 2325-8292
IS - 7
ER -