Cognitive and emotional differences among HPV+ and HPV- men: Results of a pilot study of HPV in men in a natural history study

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted virus responsible for genital warts and cervical cancer, can produce complex and disturbing reactions upon diagnosis. Cognitive and emotional responses to an HPV-diagnosis are well-documented among women, but unknown among men.

Methods: An instrument designed to assess cognitive and emotional responses to an HPV diagnosis was developed for males enrolled in a natural history study of HPV in men. The survey, based upon theoretical constructs of Leventhal's Parallel Processing Model was administered among a small cohort of men in the study. Demographic characteristics were collected and questions about HPV knowledge, perceived threat of an HPV infection, and response efficacy were asked.

Results: Thirty men completed the survey; most were young, single and white with some college education; half were HPV+ and half HPV-. Of the 30 men, 23% (7) did not correctly report their HPV test results. Knowledge of HPV ranged from 15-95 out of a score of 100. There were no significant differences between positive and negative men in knowledge or perceived threat; only the construct related to ability to disclose results and make suggestions for their sexual partners, response-efficacy, was significantly different between the two groups (p=0.02).

Conclusion: Male partners can play a critical role in cervical cancer prevention efforts. Understanding men's knowledge and appraisal processes concerning an HPV diagnosis may be part of addressing issues such as disclosure of an HPV diagnosis, suggesting cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine to their partners and decreasing risky sexual behaviors.