BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common among men who have sex with men (MSM), especially among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected MSM. The prevalence of HPV among MSM, accounts for the higher incidence of HPV-related cancer observed in this population. It is well known that targeted HPV vaccination is an effective way to prevent HPV infection; an intervention which could be beneficial for a high-risk group such as MSM. The current study aimed to assess the attitudes towards and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among MSM in in Urumqi, China.

METHODS

A total of 253 HIV-uninfected and 205 HIV-infected MSM (in Urumqi, China participated in the current cross-sectional study. Information on HPV-related knowledge, willingness to be vaccinated as well as demographic data were collected through a self-administered survey. A logistic regression model was applied to determine the predictors of HPV vaccine acceptability among the population.

RESULTS

The survey results indicated that only 218 (47.6%) of MSM questioned were aware of the term HPV, nevertheless, once awareness was established the prevalence of acceptability of free HPV vaccine was recorded at 96.7% of the total MSM sample. However, HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected MSM demonstrated significantly different attitudes in regard to their acceptability of free HPV vaccination (94.9% vs. 99.0%, p < 0.001) as well as their willingness to pay for the HPV vaccination (64.8% vs. 80.5%, p < 0.001), with the HIV-infected group being significantly more receptive towards HPV immunization. A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that local residency, employment status, hepatitis B vaccination status, previous awareness of HPV and HIV status were independent predictors of the participants' willingness to pay for HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants in the current study demonstrated poor knowledge of HPV but the majority of MSM were willing to accept HPV vaccine after consultation; with HIV-infected MSM displaying higher acceptability towards a potential HPV vaccination than HIV-uninfected MSM. MSM who were previously aware of HPV were more likely to be willing to pay for HPV vaccine.