Knowledge and misconceptions of HPV associated outcomes among young men

Background: A quadrivalent HPV vaccine (HPV4) was recently licensed for males age 9-26 years. While HPV4 vaccine uptake among females nationwide is <50%, the uptake among males is immeasurably low. A lack of knowledge regarding HPV disease outcomes such as genital warts, and anal, oral and penile cancer in males may explain these low rates. We sought to determine young men's knowledge of HPV infection and outcomes in males.

Methods: Males ages 18-26 were recruited to participate in one of four focus groups and a pre-survey that assessed for knowledge about HPV and HPV associated outcomes in males. A physician then provided information about male HPV disease. Transcripts were analyzed for themes with Atlas TI.

Results: Most young men reported little to no knowledge of male HPV infection or associated outcomes, although several had heard of HPV infection and outcomes, particularly cervical cancer in women. A few participants knew of HPV causing genital warts and that infected males can be asymptomatic. Some participants compared HPV to HIV, with blood transmission and outcomes such as sores. Other misconceptions were that HPV could cause sterility/infertility, impotence and prostate cancer.

Conclusion: The primary misconception was that HPV only affects women. Addressing misconceptions and greater communication regarding male HPV infection and the availability of an HPV4 vaccine for males may be useful in increasing vaccination rates among males.