Men’s stories: an account of translating vaccine decision narratives from young men in the U.S. into a targeted public health intervention

ABSTRACT Effective interventions to promote human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are needed for all young adults across the globe. Yet, most public health efforts focus on HPV-related risks for females. Unfortunately, HPV-related cancers in men are also a concern, as is the potential for men to spread HPV to their partners. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in reducing risks related to these cancers. Yet, vaccination rates among young males are low and their vaccination concerns are not well understood. This project conducted 15 in-depth qualitative interviews with U.S. males aged 18–22 to hear their vaccine decision stories. Themes of HPV vaccination uncertainty and vaccination acceptance within these stories were then translated into prevention messages for the U.S.-based ‘Men’s Stories’ (MS) HPV video intervention. This study illustrates the process of translating formative research findings into message content, tone, and structure through this intervention by communicating pro-vaccination messages to young men.