title: HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptability among Peruvian men who have sex with men and transgender women: A pilot, qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally and is responsible for a variety of cancers in men and women. An effective HPV vaccine licensed for use in girls and boys has been indicated for-but is not widely implemented in-men who have sex with men (MSM). Limited data are available for transgender women (TW). We explored the social and behavioral aspects related to HPV vaccine uptake and participation in HPV vaccine studies among Peruvian MSM and TW.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups and individual in-depth interviews were conducted to obtain the knowledge, thoughts, and opinions from Peruvian MSM and TW regarding HPV vaccination. Data were analyzed using systematic comparative and descriptive content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three focus groups and fifteen individual in-depth interviews were conducted among 36 MSM and TW. Participant mean age was 26 years (range 18-40). Though many participants were unfamiliar with HPV vaccination, most expressed positive attitudes. Participants expressed concerns about the potential for stigma when disclosing HPV vaccination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Peruvian MSM and TW felt that HPV vaccination would be acceptable to themselves and their peers. Nonetheless, vaccine intake may be impeded by potential stigma. Findings from this study may guide HPV vaccine implementation in similar populations.
authors.affiliation: Socios En Salud, Lima, Peru.|Epicentro Salud, Lima, Peru.|Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
authors.forename: Jerome T
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8732-6959
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Galea
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthy Communities, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Emmi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Monsour
authors.affiliation: School of Anthropology, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú.
authors.forename: César R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Nureña
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
authors.forename: Magaly M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Blas
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthy Communities, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Brandon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010568:Peru; D063106:Transgender Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines