Unequal Access: Differences in HPV knowledge, vaccine intentions, and barriers to vaccination among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic men

Background: Hispanic women have twice the cervical cancer rate than non-Hispanic White women, and rates of penile cancer are higher among Hispanic men than non-Hispanic men. In 2009, the HPV vaccine was approved for males ages 9-26 to prevent genital warts. To effectively disseminate the vaccine among Latino males, factors that may promote or inhibit vaccine acceptability need to be identified.

Purpose: To examine differences between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic males in HPV knowledge, vaccine intentions and barriers to vaccination.

Methods: Participants in a natural history study of HPV in men completed a computer-assisted-survey-instrument assessing cognitive and emotional responses to HPV test results. Logistic regression tested for differences in the likelihood of intending to get vaccinated, and in perceiving various barriers to vaccination between Hispanic and non-Hispanic men.

Results: Of 505 participants, 86 (17.0%) identified as Hispanic. Generally, HPV knowledge was high, with no knowledge score differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic males. Hispanic males were more likely to report stronger HPV vaccine intentions (OR=1.88; 95% CI=1.09-3.27); however, they were less likely to have a place to get the vaccine (OR=0.34; 95% CI=0.12-0.92). Although Hispanics were more likely to perceive getting time off work/school a potential barrier (14%) than non-Hispanics (8%) it was not significant.

Conclusion: Although Hispanic males are knowledgeable about HPV and intend to receive the vaccine, they are more likely to perceive accessibility barriers to vaccination. Identifying positive motives for, and barriers against, vaccination among Hispanic males is an important public health and social justice activity.