Predictors of HPV vaccine intention in non-monogamous adults.

Background: Studies related to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance have been conducted among parents of adolescents. With the expanded clinical recommendation of HPV vaccination to adults 27-45 years, it is unknown what factors are related to intention to receive HPV vaccine.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate predictors of HPV vaccine intention among non-monogamous adults.

Methods: Adults 27-45 years old in non-monogamous sexual relationships that belonged to the Qualtrics XM panel were invited to complete a survey in May 2022. Intention was defined as answer 'Yes' to the question 'If you are not currently vaccinated against HPV, are you willing to be vaccinated against HPV?' Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of intention.

Results: A total of 343 respondents out of 430 who completed the survey were HPV unvaccinated. The unvaccinated respondents were 34.9 years old, 49% female, 23% white, 51% single, 53% with some college education or above, and 48% Christian. A total of 136 (39.6%) unvaccinated respondents reported intention to receive the HPV vaccine. In the multivariable analysis (n = 343) those responding positively that they were willing to receive the HPV vaccine if it prevented anogenital warts and cancer had several fold higher odds for intention to receive the vaccine (OR = 16.3, 95% confidence interval 4.40-59.0 and OR = 4.5, 95% confidence interval 1.21-16.89, respectively). In addition, those willing to advise the HPV vaccine to their partner or friend had over tenfold higher odds for intention to receive the HPV vaccine (OR = 10.6, 95% confidence interval 3.3-33.5).

Conclusions: Intention to receive HPV vaccine was reported by fewer than half of unvaccinated non-monogamous adults 27-45 years old. Emphasis on the HPV vaccine lowering the risks of anogenital warts and cancer in outreach campaigns and shared decision-making conversations may increase intention to receive the HPV vaccine in this population.