Factors Associated with HPV Vaccination in Young Males

Human papilloma virus (HPV) affects both men and women; however, recommendations for HPV vaccination among men were not issued in the United States until 2011. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare characteristics of men who did and did not report receiving at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Data from the ten states that completed the HPV vaccination module in the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were included in the study. Young men ages 18-26 were included (N = 1624). Categorical variables were compared between those who did and did not receive the HPV vaccine using Chi square. Logistic regression was used to examine the odds of HPV vaccination by the above factors. Only 16.5% of men reported at least one dose of HPV vaccine. Having health insurance, having a primary doctor, and receiving an HIV test were predictive of HPV vaccination. Men in Texas were more likely to report HPV vaccination than all other states. Overall, HPV vaccination is low in men. Targeted interventions for improving HPV vaccination rates in men are warranted, especially for those without health insurance or a routine source of care.