Human papillomavirus awareness and vaccination willingness among male community residents in Beijing based on the Health Belief Model.

Abstract

Following the January 2025 approval of the first male HPV vaccine in the Chinese mainland, we investigated vaccination willingness and its influencing factors among community-dwelling men. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Beijing, recruiting 480 community-based male residents and 399 men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants completed a questionnaire assessing HPV knowledge and the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify determinants of willingness. We found a high level of vaccination willingness, which was notably higher among MSM (90.73%) than the community-recruited male population (87.29%). Critically, willingness surpassed awareness, indicating significant latent demand despite low overall HPV knowledge. HBM analysis showed that perceived benefits promoted willingness in both groups, while self-efficacy of prevention paradoxically acted as an inhibitor. MSM reported higher perceived susceptibility and benefits, but lower severity, compared to community-recruited men. Determinants diverged significantly: income and sexual behavior were unique drivers for community-recruited men, whereas HPV knowledge and STI self-testing drove willingness in MSM. This study confirms high post-approval vaccination willingness but highlights distinct influencing factors. Findings suggest the need for differentiated strategies: universal approaches should highlight vaccine benefits to convert latent demand, while targeted education for MSM must focus on improving knowledge accuracy.