Men's perspectives on cancer prevention behaviors associated with HPV

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with the diagnosis of anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers in men. Evidence indicates that correct condom use in addition to obtaining the HPV vaccine provides the greatest protection from HPV infections. Objective: To explore young men's beliefs and behavioral intention in relation to receiving the HPV vaccine and using a condom correctly and consistently for sexual contact. Methods: A cross-sectional study underpinned by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was conducted with male participants (n = 359, 18-28 years) who completed an online survey. Descriptive, correlational, and hierarchical regression analyses were performed on both status variables and variables of the TPB. Results: Subjective norms (β = 0.519, P <.001) was identified as the most influential predictor in relation to men's intention to receive the HPV vaccine, while relationship status (β = −0.215, P <.001) and attitudes (β = 0.394, P <.001) presented as the most significant predictors of intention to use a condom. Summarily, 51% of the variance in intention to receive the HPV vaccine and 44% in intention to use a condom were explained by the TPB model. Conclusion: Results from this study will impact on future sexual health research, education programs, and interventions for both HPV preventative behaviors towards the elimination of HPV-related cancers in men.