Exploring hepatitis B vaccination acceptance among young men who have sex with men: facilitators and barriers.
BACKGROUND
Studies continue to show that the majority of men who have sex with men in the United States remain unvaccinated against hepatitis B despite the licensure of an efficacious vaccine in 1982.


METHODS
A theory-based, qualitative approach is used to explore acceptance of hepatitis B vaccination among men who have sex with men residing in Birmingham, Alabama.


RESULTS
A total of 62 self-identified men who have sex with men (mean age = 25 +/- 2.3; range: 18-36 years) participated in one of eight focus groups. Among the findings of this study, participants reported low levels of perceived susceptibility to infection; lacked basic information about hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccination; did not perceive their providers to be comfortable with discussing their same-sex sexual behavior; did not identify tangible or intangible benefits to vaccination; had limited access to health care and had little continuity of care; did not trust federally supported vaccination efforts; and reported the inundation of HIV prevention messages hampered their receptivity to health messages in general.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an urgent need to enhance awareness and facilitate hepatitis B vaccination among men who have sex with men. While further research is necessary, our findings indicate that numerous barriers to hepatitis B vaccination exist that may result in low vaccination rates. Prevention efforts would benefit from addressing these barriers.
Rhodes
Scott D
SD
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7440, USA. Scott Rhodes@unc.edu
Hergenrather
Kenneth C
KC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000407:Alabama; D017144:Focus Groups; D006302:Health Services Research; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines