The Male Voice: A Qualitative Assessment of Young Men’s Communication Preferences About HPV and 9vHPV

In the U.S. there is an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). One of the most prevalent STIs is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Certain high risk strains of HPV are believed to cause virtually all cervical cancers, over 90% of anal cancers, 70% of oropharyngeal cancers, and the majority of anal genital warts. HPV is preventable through vaccination and is available for both men and women. Several educational interventions have been employed, yet baseline awareness and knowledge related to HPV and 9vHPV remains relatively low among young men. What is not known is the most effective method for providing HPV and 9vHPV information to young men. The purpose of this qualitative study was to learn from young men on how they would like to receive HPV and 9vHPV information. Men between the ages of 18–26 were invited to participate in the study. Ten focus group sessions with a total of 68 participants were conducted from three Midwest community colleges. Analysis resulted in themes related to STIs, HPV and 9vHPV knowledge, 9vHPV receipt, sexual health communication, and communication strategies. Findings suggest that there is not a “one size fits all” preferred communication modality. Recommendations for effective HPV communication include healthcare practitioner self-awareness, community environments where healthcare practitioners can engage in HPV related cancer prevention activities and advocacy for medically accurate sexual health education. Insight into the best way to communicate HPV and 9vHPV information to young men will lead toward improvement in health literacy around HPV, increased 9vHPV uptake, as well as effective health promotion and disease prevention.