Acceptability of the Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine among adolescent males

In 2009, the FDA extended approval of the HPV vaccine in eligible males between the ages of 9 to 26. New prophylactic HPV vaccines can lead to a significant reduction in HPV infections, thus decreasing the burden of HPV-related diseases in the US. This study investigates the decision factors that influence adolescent males to be receptive to vaccination.

Adolescent males completed a survey and participated in one of 7 focus group discussions to assess their attitudes and acceptability toward HPV and the HPV vaccine. Quantitative analysis consisted primarily of frequency distributions of survey items, while qualitative analysis consisted of iterative rounds of open-coding for thematic trends and concepts in the focus group transcripts.

46 adolescents (83% African-American; 15% Hispanic; mean age 15 years; 78% sexually active) participated. From the survey, 17% had heard of HPV and 22% had heard of the vaccine. 24% knew that HPV was the most common STI and only 22% knew that it was the primary cause of anogenital warts. Concerns over the vaccine's side-effects and efficacy were prevalent among adolescents. Getting vaccinated to minimize their female sexual partners' risk was a significant factor. Few believed that getting the HPV vaccine would encourage more males to get vaccinated. 27% of the teens were undecided about vaccination, 20% were in favor of vaccination, and 53% were against vaccination.

Knowledge of HPV and the vaccine was low among adolescent males. Increased awareness HPV and the vaccine would benefit adolescent males who are considering and/or engaging in sexual activity.