Human papillomavirus infection and vaccination: Knowledge and attitudes among young males in Italy.

Francesco Napolitano, Paola Napolitano, Giorgio Liguori, Italo Francesco Angelillo
Author Information
  1. Francesco Napolitano: a Department of Experimental Medicine ; Second University of Naples ; Naples , Italy.
  2. Paola Napolitano: a Department of Experimental Medicine ; Second University of Naples ; Naples , Italy.
  3. Giorgio Liguori: b Chair of Hygiene; University of Naples "Parthenope," ; Naples , Italy.
  4. Italo Francesco Angelillo: a Department of Experimental Medicine ; Second University of Naples ; Naples , Italy.

Abstract

This study assessed knowledge and attitudes about Human papillomavirus (HPV) and the relative vaccination and their determinants in a sample of young males. The survey was conducted between January and April 2015 among a sample of 1000 males aged between 14-24 y in the geographic area of Naples and Caserta, Italy. The 54.9% of the participants reported of having heard about the HPV infection. Those who were aware about the availability of the vaccine, who reported the first vaginal sexual encounter before the 18 y and at least at 18 y compared to those who had not had a complete sexual intercourse, who had undergone a health checkup in the last year, and who had received information about the HPV vaccine by physicians had a significant higher knowledge about the HPV infection. The 58.2% reported that they would be willing to receive the HPV vaccine. Those younger, who reported the first vaginal sexual encounter at least at 18 y, who agreed that male should receive the vaccine, who knew that both males and females can acquire the infection, and who agreed that the vaccine is an important preventive intervention, expressed more positive attitude toward willingness to receive the vaccine. More information about the HPV vaccine were required by those who agreed that the vaccine is an important preventive intervention, who reported the first vaginal sexual encounter at least at 18 y, who have had only one partner in the last year compared to students who had no partner, and who had received information about the vaccine by physicians. This study highlights a need for improved education of young males of the HPV infection and the associated diseases and about the benefit of the vaccination.

Keywords

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MeSH Term

Adolescent
Disease Transmission, Infectious
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Italy
Male
Papillomavirus Infections
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vaccination
Young Adult

Word Cloud

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