Human Papilloma Virus awareness & vaccine acceptance amongst men

Objective: To determine how to increase both knowledge and awareness of HPV and its sequelae in men, as well as acceptance of the HPV vaccine for men. Methods: The research for this topic was gathered from the reading and analysis of 15 different articles including varying topics about HPV awareness, men's attitudes toward the vaccine itself and acceptance of it, and the connection between oropharyngeal cancers, head and neck cancers, anal and penile cancers, as well as anogenital warts and the Human Papilloma Virus. Results: There is a significant lack of knowledge and awareness about HPV and its sequelae amongst varying male populations in different countries including the United States. More research needs to be done in relation to the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine for men with regards to preventing genital warts, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. Most people would be willing to accept the vaccine once provided with enough information. Cost effectiveness is currently a major barrier to the acceptance of this vaccine for men. Conclusion: Men are more willing to accept a vaccine when they are provided appropriate and accurate information concerning the safety and efficacy of it, when the cost is made to be more reasonable and affordable, and when they are made aware of the specific symptoms such as genital warts and varying cancers that may be the byproduct of HPV. Due to the fact that the number of oropharyngeal cancers is increasing mainly in men and that it is 93% related to oral HPV infection, the necessity of a prophylactic HPV vaccine for men is imminent. In doing the research on how to increase awareness and acceptance, it is important to know what factors will most significantly encourage men to get the vaccine. Finally, it is also the challenge and responsibility of health care workers, as well as the media, to increase people's knowledge about this disease.