Enhancing Male HPV Vaccine Acceptance: The Role of Altruism and Awareness of Male Specific Health Benefits

While considerable research exists on female HPV vaccine acceptance, research is needed to clarify factors that facilitate vaccine uptake among boys and men. The benefits of male HPV vaccination exist on an individual and community level. Male HPV vaccination provides personal health protection to recipients, and can provide female health protection by minimizing transmission of HPV to sexual partners. As such, male vaccine acceptance may be enhanced by emphasizing both altruistic motives (female health protection) and personal health benefits. A sample of college-age men (N = 200; M age = 19.3; 31% Non-White) completed computer-administered surveys and were presented with one of four informational interventions that varied in the inclusion or exclusion of altruistic motives and in terms of the extent to which male specific HPV-related illnesses and vaccine benefits were stressed. HPV vaccine acceptance was assessed immediately following the intervention with items assessing vaccine interest and willingness to receive it. Consistent with predictions, those who received the intervention emphasizing both altruistic motives and male specific information endorsed the greatest vaccine acceptance (M = 3.6, SD = 1.0). Additionally, perceived HPV susceptibility and stigmatization concerns toward the vaccine emerged as significant predictors of vaccine acceptance. Findings suggest that provider-based and community level interventions that stress both altruistic motives and personal health benefits of vaccination may enhance HPV vaccine uptake among young men