Variables associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance by men.

OBJECTIVE

To determine correlates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance for men.

METHODS

A convenience sample of men aged 18 to 45 years read a one-page information sheet about HPV and the HPV vaccine, then completed a 29-item questionnaire. chi(2) tests were used to determine whether differences in demographic, sexual, and vaccine-related variables existed between levels of wanting the HPV vaccine.

RESULTS

Positive correlates of HPV vaccine acceptance included higher education (P < .0001); hispanic ethnicity (P = .0003); wearing a seat belt most of the time (P = .02); regular tobacco use (P = <.001); not being sexually active (P = .0008); history of more than 10 female sexual partners (P = .0004); not having oral sex (P = .045); extreme worry about vaccine side effects (P < .0001); extreme concern about vaccine safety (P < .0001); the importance of getting vaccines (P < .0001); familiarity with HPV (P < .0001); and extreme importance of receiving the HPV vaccine (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Men with greater general education, high-risk behaviors, and knowledge about HPV are more likely to want the HPV vaccine. Focused educational efforts should facilitate even wider acceptance of the HPV vaccine by men.