Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Awareness among HIV-Positive Gay and Bisexual Men: A Qualitative Study

Purpose: This study explores HIV-positive gay and bisexual men's (GBM) understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine. Methods: Researchers conducted 15 in-depth interviews with HIV-positive GBM between the ages of 18-30 years old. Results: Two participants had received a single dose of the HPV vaccine. Otherwise, the majority of participants had either never heard of the HPV vaccine or they perceived it as a resource for women only. Other commonly cited barriers to getting the vaccine included lack of provider recommendation to complete the vaccine series and vaccine costs. Conclusions: Future provider-driven interventions should focus on increasing HPV vaccine among age-eligible HIV-positive GBM.