AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

HPV vaccine attitudes and use among Latino males

by Viviana Gomez




Institution: Texas Tech University
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: Sexuality; Health; Latinos; Human Papillomavirus; Family and Health.
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2067059
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/2346/67042


Abstract

This study explored young (18-26 years) adult male Latinos' attitudes towards the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, knowledge of the vaccine, and its usage. Data was collected from 170 Latinos who were undergraduate and graduate students at Texas Tech University as well as individuals from the community of Lubbock, Texas. At the time of the study, participants reported a basic knowledge on HPV and favorable attitudes towards the vaccine, however just a minority of participants reported intentions of getting vaccinated in the future. Participants were not aware that the HPV vaccine was available for men and the need to be vaccinated. The overall results of this study indicate that HPV beliefs, parent sex communication, and masculinity are all unique predictors of having received the HPV vaccine. Furthermore, beliefs, knowledge, and peer endorsement are all unique predictors of young Latino males’ intentions to receive the HPV vaccine. Also, masculinity appears to be a core thread to explain HPV vaccine beliefs, knowledge, and usage among participants. These findings can help guide professionals and health care practitioners to develop sexual health strategies and vaccination programs to increase the acceptability of the HPV vaccine among young Latino males, and reduce HPV/STIs-related health disparities among this particular population in the United States. Advisors/Committee Members: Mulsow, Ph.D., Dr. Miriam (committee member), Caldera, Ph.D., Dr. Yvonne M. (committee member), Weiser Ph.D., Dr. Dana (Committee Chair).