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.
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
Scott D
SD
Rhodes
Kenneth C
KC
Hergenrather
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