Associations Between Risk Perception and HPV Knowledge and Vaccine Uptake: Highlighting the LGBTQ+ Population

Abstract

IntroductionGay and bisexual males and other LGBTQ+ communities are more frequently exposed to factors associated with an increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition. Vaccination is critical to protect against HPV+ head and neck cancer (HNC). We characterized the association of perceived level of risk of contraction with HPV knowledge, and vaccine decision‐making.Study DesignCross‐sectional cohort.SettingLGBTQ and general survey Reddit forums (control).MethodsA survey was shared amongst the online forums. Descriptive statistics characterized the data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to understand factors associated with vaccination, self‐perceived high risk, and knowledge of HPV + HNC.ResultsOf 718 respondents, most were female (41.09%), Caucasian (59.89%), college‐educated (33.01%), and insured (77.15%) with a mean age of 30.75 years. Half were vaccinated (49.16%), with most unvaccinated endorsing interest (60.58%). Few dependents were vaccinated (25.91%), with interest in vaccination among parents of unvaccinated children (38.58%). Knowledge of HIV's association with HPV (62.95%), HPV causing HNC (55.57%), and the vaccine's efficacy against HNC (55.57%) was also moderate. Identifying female (P = .042), a self‐perceived high‐risk (P < .001), and having vaccinated children (P < .001) increased vaccination likelihood; transgender (P = .021), or lesbian or gay sexual identity (P < .001) decreased likelihood. Personal HNC diagnosis (P < .001), self‐vaccination (P < .001), having vaccinated children (P < .001), having anal sex (P = .001) or no knowledge of past HPV status (P < .001) increased likelihood of high self‐perceived risk.ConclusionEfforts to improve public education regarding the association between HPV and HNC and vaccination efficacy are required to better inform vaccine decision‐making among individuals at risk for HPV infection.