Factors Related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in College Men

To examine the vaccination rate and identify factors influencing HPV vaccination among college men.

This cross-sectional study, guided by Theory of Planned Behavior, was conducted with a convenience sample of college males (18-26 years of age). A web-based survey was sent to 3,300 students attending a public university in California.

The questionnaire used in the study-HPV/HPV vaccine-related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors-was adapted from a prior study conducted among college women. Demographic and sexual history information was also obtained.

Four hundred and ten respondents were qualified for analysis. HPV vaccination rate was approximately 11.8%. Overall, young men had quite low HPV/HPV vaccine knowledge. Both nonvaccinees (n = 48) and vaccinees (n = 141) had positive attitudes toward the HPV vaccine, including mandating vaccination. Knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine were not directly associated with the outcomes of vaccination status and intention. Both outcomes could be predicted by the attitude toward getting vaccinated against HPV. Intention was also predicted by subjective norm.

Interventions to increase the vaccination rate should focus on creating positive attitude toward getting vaccinated against HPV through behavioral beliefs. Increasing the subjective norm will be beneficial.