Human papillomavirus and vaccine-related perceptions among men who have sex with men: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could prevent HPV-related cancers and genital warts among men who have sex with men (MSM). In order to develop effective vaccination programmes for MSM, it is crucial to understand their knowledge, beliefs about HPV and attitudes towards HPV vaccine.


METHODS
A systematic search of 10 databases examined articles investigating HPV knowledge and HPV-related perceptions among MSM. Each paper was assessed to identify potential research directions in the context of targeted HPV vaccination for MSM.


RESULTS
We identified 16 studies that included 5185 MSM and conducted mainly in North America. Generally, participants were over 26 years old, had poor-to-moderate knowledge about HPV and were not concerned about HPV-related diseases. Over a half of MSM were willing to accept HPV vaccine, if offered. However, there was large variability in HPV vaccine acceptability, partially due to inconsistencies in methods of ascertainment but also different levels of HPV vaccine awareness.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite several misconceptions and poor knowledge of HPV infection, MSM might be receptive to HPV vaccination. However, further research is needed to identify which factors contribute to potential vaccine uptake in hypothetical MSM-targeted HPV vaccination. Future studies need to target those MSM with little sexual experience, who would benefit most from HPV vaccination.
Division of Public Health and Primary Care, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
Tom
T
Nadarzynski
Division of Public Health and Primary Care, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
Helen
H
Smith
Division of Public Health and Primary Care, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
Daniel
D
Richardson
Division of Public Health and Primary Care, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
Christina J
CJ
Jones
Division of Public Health and Primary Care, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
Carrie D
CD
Llewellyn
D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001727:Bisexuality; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D027383:Papillomaviridae; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines
ANOGENITAL CANCER; GAY MEN; HPV; VACCINATION