230539 Racial differences in HPV knowledge and attitude towards the HPV vaccine among non-Hispanic black and white men

Monday, November 8, 2010

Amina Alio, PhD , University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Department of Community & Family Health, Tampa, FL
Ellen Daley, PhD, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Rasheeta Chandler, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC , Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Eric R. Buhi, MPH, PhD, CHES , Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
Stephanie L. Marhefka, PhD , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cheryl A. Vamos, PhD, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Stephanie K. Kolar, MSPH , Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
Christopher Wheldon, MSPH, MEd , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Anna Giuliano, PhD , Program Leader: Risk Assessment, Detection, and Intervention, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
Background: Cervical cancer mortality in the United States is twice as high among black women as white women. It is important for men to understand the role of HPV in increasing women's risk for cervical cancer and other ano-genital cancers common among men and women. However, because there is no routine screening test for men, research about HPV knowledge among men is scarce.

Purpose: To identify racial differences in HPV knowledge and attitudes towards the HPV vaccine among non-Hispanic black and white men.

Methods: Men participating in a natural history study of HPV completed a psychosocial survey. Participants reporting only black or white race (and not Hispanic ethnicity) were compared on vaccine intentions, HPV knowledge, and demographic factors. A knowledge scale was created by summing correct answers to 20 true/false general HPV knowledge questions.

Results: Whites had significantly higher knowledge of HPV (mean=15.3 correct versus 12.4, p<0.01). Knowledge remained significant in a logistic regression analysis including demographic factors, (OR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.73-0.90). Significantly more blacks reported that cost (p<0.01) and side effects (p<0.01) might prevent them from getting the HPV vaccine. These differences were not significant in logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographic factors. A subset of participants responded to additional questions regarding the HPV vaccine (n=178). Blacks were more likely to report not having a place where they could get the vaccine, 29%, compared to whites 9%, p<0.01, and 32% of whites and 21% of blacks were unsure if they had a place to get the vaccine.

Conclusion: Black and white respondents had different awareness, knowledge, and attitudes related to HPV and the HPV vaccine. Educational interventions to maximize awareness of HPV and improve access to the HPV vaccine among black men may be an important part of reducing disparities in HPV infections and cervical cancer.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. To identify areas of HPV knowledge among black males participating in a natural history study of HPV. 2. To identify differences in HPV vaccine barriers between black and white males. 3. To understand the role of males in HPV transmission and prevention

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Health Literacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have participated in this study through an NIH-funded position to assess racial and ethnic differences among men
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3363.1: Health Literacy and Health Outcomes for Communities of Color