A Cross-Sectional Look at HPV Vaccine Acceptance and Associated Factors Among Male University Students in Lebanon.

Abstract

Background and aims: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. Oncogenic HPV serotypes lead to various anogenital cancers in men. Societal changes in previously conservative regions like Lebanon have increased STI risks, particularly among university students. While several studies have focused on HPV prevalence in Lebanese females, data on males remain scarce. Men HPV vaccination is crucial for the prevention of HPV-related cancers in both sexes. This study aims to assess vaccination prevalence among Lebanese male university students, identify influencing factors, and evaluate their HPV and its vaccine knowledge.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study surveying male students at Lebanese universities ranging from 17 to 30 years. Data were collected using closed-ended questions distributed through an online platform. We compared vaccination rates with different variables using a bivariate analysis. The chi-squared test was utilized for categorical variables, while Fisher's exact test was employed for nonparametric evaluations of categorical data. For continuous variables, parametric and nonparametric analyses, the independent sample t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U test, respectively, are used. Throughout these investigations, statistical significance was set at a p-value ≤ 0.05 (95% confidence interval).

Results: 324 individuals completed the study. HPV vaccination prevalence was 5.2% (n = 17). In people not taking the HPV vaccine, limited knowledge of HPV (34.57%) and its vaccine (25.62%) as well as the lack of physician recommendation (31.17%) were the main barriers. Compared to their nonvaccinated peers (3.27 over 13), vaccinated participants (6 over 13) showed an increased HPV vaccination knowledge index (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: The study revealed diminished HPV vaccination rates among male university students in Lebanon, primarily attributed to inadequate knowledge and low physician recommendations. Targeted awareness campaigns and incorporating HPV vaccination into the national vaccination card are recommended to promote vaccination rates.