College-aged Men’s (18-24) Knowledge and Perceptions of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer

Abstract

College-aged men (18-24) can easily transmit HPV, the most common type of sexually transmitted infection in the United States, but have the lowest knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer. This study utilized the Health Belief Model to assess the knowledge and perceptions of HPV and cervical cancer among college-aged men, and their intent to reduce their numbers of future sex partners and wear condoms during their next sexual encounter. Of 100 participants, one third (33.7%) had never heard of HPV before this study, and 87.9% rated their subjective knowledge of HPV knowledge as “poor”. Participants reported high perceived severity, and susceptibility to, HPV infection. Having heard of HPV, being in a relationship with a female partner and self-efficacy to wearing condoms were associated with participants’ intent to wear condoms during their next sexual encounter. Perceived benefits were associated with participants’ intent to reduce the number of future sex partners. College-aged men should be targeted for HPV risk reduction with HPV health interventions tailored to augment male involvement in HPV and cervical cancer prevention efforts.