TY - JOUR
T1 - Awareness of human papillomavirus in 23 000 Danish men from the general male population
AU - Nielsen, Ann
AU - Munk, Christian
AU - Liaw, Kai-Li
AU - Kjaer, Susanne K
N1 - Keywords: Adolescent; Adult; Awareness; Denmark; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Questionnaires; Young Adult
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - Men play an important role in transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). Both in men and in women HPV causes great morbidity, such as cervical cancer, penile and anal cancer, and genital warts. The awareness of HPV and its consequences is essential to a successful vaccination program against HPV. In this study, we assessed awareness of HPV in Danish men. A random sample of men aged 18-45 years from the general male population was invited to participate in the study. The participants filled in a self-administered questionnaire with questions concerning awareness of HPV, lifestyle, and sexual habits. In the period from November 2006 to June 2007, more than 23 000 men were included in the study (participation rate approximately 71%). Overall, 10% of the participants reported to have heard of HPV. Comparison with an earlier study in Danish women showed lower awareness in men than in women (25%). Higher educational level and history of self-reported genital warts were the strongest predictors of having heard of HPV. Furthermore, condom use and excellent self-rated health were significantly correlated with awareness of HPV. In contrast, no correlations were found with age, lifetime number of sexual partners, and smoking and drinking patterns. In conclusion, we found that awareness of HPV among Danish men was scarce. The low level of awareness of HPV, particularly in men, can be a barrier in preventing HPV-related diseases. Education is warranted to increase such awareness to ensure success of HPV vaccination.
AB - Men play an important role in transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). Both in men and in women HPV causes great morbidity, such as cervical cancer, penile and anal cancer, and genital warts. The awareness of HPV and its consequences is essential to a successful vaccination program against HPV. In this study, we assessed awareness of HPV in Danish men. A random sample of men aged 18-45 years from the general male population was invited to participate in the study. The participants filled in a self-administered questionnaire with questions concerning awareness of HPV, lifestyle, and sexual habits. In the period from November 2006 to June 2007, more than 23 000 men were included in the study (participation rate approximately 71%). Overall, 10% of the participants reported to have heard of HPV. Comparison with an earlier study in Danish women showed lower awareness in men than in women (25%). Higher educational level and history of self-reported genital warts were the strongest predictors of having heard of HPV. Furthermore, condom use and excellent self-rated health were significantly correlated with awareness of HPV. In contrast, no correlations were found with age, lifetime number of sexual partners, and smoking and drinking patterns. In conclusion, we found that awareness of HPV among Danish men was scarce. The low level of awareness of HPV, particularly in men, can be a barrier in preventing HPV-related diseases. Education is warranted to increase such awareness to ensure success of HPV vaccination.
U2 - 10.1097/CEJ.0b013e3283240607
DO - 10.1097/CEJ.0b013e3283240607
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 19491611
SN - 0959-8278
VL - 18
SP - 236
EP - 239
JO - European Journal of Cancer Prevention
JF - European Journal of Cancer Prevention
IS - 3
ER -
