A Cross-Sectional Study on HPV Vaccine Awareness, Vaccination Willingness and Associated Factors among Male Healthcare Workers in Ethnic Minority-populated Areas in Southern China

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) with a very high prevalence in the male population, resulting in an increasing burden of HPV-related diseases. HPV vaccines are the most effective measure to control HPV infection. However, male HPV vaccine has not been approved for mainland China.ObjectiveTo assess awareness, willingness and associated factors of the HPV vaccine among male healthcare workers in ethnic minority-populated areas in southern China. To provide a reference basis for the formulation of promotion strategy for male HPV vaccine after its approval in mainland China.MethodsA web-based questionnaire survey on the awareness and willingness to receive HPV vaccine among male healthcare workers in the surveyed areas was conducted using a convenience sampling method, and chi-square test or Fisher’ s exact test and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze and explore the associated factors.ResultsRespondents’ HPV vaccine awareness and willingness to vaccinate were 74.55% (1,066/1,430) and 80.94% (1,087/1,343, exclusion of vaccinated respondents) respectively. Respondents aged 30∼44 and ≥ 45, intermediate title, and per capita monthly household income of CNY 3,000∼4,000 were discovered to have a correlation with awareness of HPV vaccine (allp<0.05). While, technicians and other occupations (excluding doctors and nurses), with a position, senior title, and ware of HPV vaccine were discovered to have a correlation with willingness to vaccinate (allp<0.05). The belief that the vaccine can prevent HPV infection was the main reason for participants’ willing to get HPV vaccine (91.48% 1,074/1,174). while, believing that they are not at risk of contracting HPV and the high price of HPV vaccine are major barriers to increasing willingness to vaccinate. The most important motivation that could promote receiving the vaccine was the provision of information on the efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine.ConclusionsMale healthcare workers have a high awareness of HPV vaccine and a high willingness of for HPV vaccination in the surveyed areas. Strengthening health education, including HPV vaccine in immunization programmes or health insurance subsidies, and lowing the cost of vaccination will help increase their willingness for HPV vaccination.