Examining Facilitators of HPV Vaccination Uptake in Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Cross-Sectional Survey Design

Uptake and service preferences of human papillomavirus vaccination in men who have sex with men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination could reduce HPV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM), but the published statistics on HPV vaccination uptake in MSM were scarce globally. This study estimated the uptake and profiled the service preferences of HPV vaccination of Chinese MSM in Hong Kong. Adult MSM were recruited through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and online channels for completing an online baseline survey. Factors associated with self-reported history of HPV vaccination were identified using multivariable stepwise logistic regression model. Totally 701 Chinese MSM completed the online baseline survey, with the median age of 30 y (interquartile range [IQR] 26-35, range 18-67), and 23% of them had received HPV vaccination. More than half of vaccinated MSM (72%) rated convenient or very convenient for local HPV vaccination services. Among unvaccinated MSM, 50% considered high cost of HPV vaccine as the barrier of vaccination, 67% expressed willingness to pay below USD 128 per vaccine dose, and 65% preferred receiving vaccination in private clinics. MSM who had taken HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (p < .001), had been tested for HPV (p = .018), and had (p = .005) multiple regular sex partners in the past 6 months were more likely to be vaccinated. The HPV vaccination uptake of Chinese MSM in Hong Kong remains low (23%), and high HPV vaccine cost is the main barrier. Preventive behaviors (HIV PrEP use and HPV testing) and high-risk sexual behavior (multiple regular sex partners) are potential targets for intervention to increase the uptake of HPV vaccination in MSM.

Sexual health clinic attendees' views on antibiotic post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccinations for sexually transmitted infections prevention: A qualitative study

Background

The rising prevalence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is cause for concern in the context of antimicrobial resistance and the potential health outcomes of untreated infections.

Objective

The Community Awareness and Surveillance of Transmission (CAST) study sought sexual health service users' views on reducing the prevalence of STIs.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sexual health clinic attendees who had received a diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis in the previous six months. Participant comments relating to antibiotic post-exposure prophylaxis (APEP) and vaccination were inductively coded, then compared using comparative qualitative data analysis methods described by Miles and Huberman.

Findings

Twenty-one participants with differing genders, ages, nationalities and sexual orientations, were interviewed. Participants across informant groups expressed concerns about APEP for STI prevention because of potential antimicrobial resistance and personal health impacts. Vaccination against bacterial STIs was more acceptable. Common factors mentioned in relation to both interventions included perception of individual STI risk over time, safety, effectiveness and accessibility.

Conclusions

The views of sexual health service users support efforts to find alternatives to more frequent use of antibiotics, such as vaccinations against bacterial STIs, to reduce STI incidence and support antimicrobial stewardship.

Factors Related to HPV Vaccination Intention among MSM in China: A Bayesian Network Model

(1) Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and HPV vaccination is the best strategy to prevent HPV infection. Accepting HPV vaccination is an essential factor affecting vaccine promotion among MSM. We aimed to explore the factors related to HPV vaccination intention among MSM and analyze the potential relationship between these factors. (2) Methods: We adopted a nonprobability sampling method to recruit MSM volunteers. Information collection included general demographics, personal behavioral characteristics, knowledge of HPV/vaccine attitudes, and risk threat perception. Bayesian networks (BNs) were used to analyze the data statistically. (3) Results: The BNs showed that perceived HPV risk and attitudes toward vaccine promotion were directly correlated factors, whereas knowledge of HPV/vaccines, a history of HIV testing, and the number of male sexual partners in the past 6 months were indirectly correlated factors. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study illustrate that MSM have a relatively high propensity to receive HPV vaccines. The proposal that strengthening the propagation of HPV and its relevant vaccines, encouraging MSM to undergo regular corresponding tests, and improving their risk perception of HPV infection can be raised to promote HPV vaccination among MSM.