Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Adolescent African American Males Who Have Sex with Males: a Pilot Study

摘要: African American adolescent males who have sex with (MSMs) a high prevalence of sexually trans- mitted diseases (STDs) that has been directly linked to lack access primary care providers and reluctance disclose their sexuality. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STD more than 40 different serotypes can lead anal/genital warts as well oral genital cancers. HPV vaccine if taken prior an becoming active serves prophylactic function. vac- cine approved by Food Drug Administration (FDA) for girls boys; however, vaccination rates among adolescents within minority underserved com- munities disappointing even though these groups are disproportionately infected virus certain male-specific Little known about uptake MSMs thus aim this study. This qualitative study based on health belief model assessed participants' level awareness HPV, vaccine, HPV-related illnesses 24 male between 16 18 years old self identify MSMs. As part larger study, two focus were conducted Participants failed understand potential risk given higher infection experienced They expressed very little knowledge also not aware complications infection. However, they eager know vaccine. demonstrates need development communication interven- tion research targeting policy change towards making routine especially at no cost.