Demographic differences in policy beliefs following FDA approval of the HPV vaccine for men

Background In 2009, the FDA approved the first HPV vaccine for boys and men ages 9-26. A survey explored the effects of several messages about the vaccine on policy beliefs.

Methods Men and women were surveyed as part of the Annenberg National Health Communication Survey, a monthly cross-sectional web-based panel, representative of the U.S. population. The study ran as an experimental module in October 2009 (n=522). Participants were randomized to receive a message about the HPV vaccine framed in one of three ways, emphasizing either: the benefit to men; benefits to both men and their female partners; benefits to people everywhere. They then answered questions about policy beliefs.

Results Framing did not have significant effects on policy beliefs. However, there were some demographic differences in beliefs across conditions.

Men were significantly less likely than women to believe it was too early for the vaccine to be safe and effective (38% vs. 47.5%, &chi²=4.13, p<.05). Those with a college education were significantly less likely to believe the vaccine should be mandated by schools (16% compared to 23%, &chi²=3.95, p<.05) less likely to believe it should be mandated for new immigrants coming into the U.S. (34% vs. 51%, &chi²=13.8, p<.01) and less likely to believe the government should pay for it (41% vs. 56%, &chi²=11.54, p<.01).

There were no significant differences by race or age.

Discussion Results suggest health communication efforts aimed at promoting mandatory vaccination or government funding should be tailored according to the education level of the target population.