Submission ID 131625
| Issue/Objective | Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in Canada, affecting approximately 75% of sexually active individuals. Despite the implementation of a gender-neutral school-based vaccination program in 2013, HPV vaccine uptake among Canadian men remains suboptimal and varies widely across provinces (57.5-91.3%). Prior Canadian research has focused on women or specific male subgroups (e.g., college-aged men, MSM), limiting understanding of broader male perspectives and the health system factors shaping vaccine acceptance. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward HPV and its vaccine among Canadian men aged ≥16 years, with a focus on the role of healthcare provider communication. |
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| Methodology/Approach | We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional online survey via REDCap (August 2024-January 2025). A 32-item HBM-informed questionnaire (English and French) was distributed through social media, academic networks, and community platforms using convenience sampling. Of 310 valid responses, associations between sociodemographic and health system factors and KAP outcomes were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic and linear regression in SPSS v29. |
| Results | While 78.4% of men had heard of HPV and 66.3% expressed positive attitudes, 35.4% held misconceptions and 40.1% were unaware the vaccine was indicated for men. Only 41.6% had received ≥1 vaccine dose, and 38.0% had ever been screened. Critically, only 36.6% had ever received HPV information from a healthcare provider. Provider-delivered information was the strongest independent determinant of every KAP outcome: HPV knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.23), vaccine knowledge (aOR=11.31), prevention practices (aOR=12.21), and vaccine uptake (aOR=17.52). Belief in vaccine safety (aOR=15.32) and willingness to pay (aOR=2.98) further predicted positive attitudes. West Coast residents demonstrated the highest KAP across all domains. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Despite high awareness, persistent gaps in vaccine knowledge, uptake, and screening reveal a structural failure: Canadian men are not being reached by their healthcare providers. Reclaiming HPV equity requires investing in provider training, standardized male HPV counselling, and accountability mechanisms to ensure every clinical encounter becomes an opportunity for prevention. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Naharin Sultana Anni McMaster University Lawrence Mbuagbaw McMaster University Elizabeth Alvarez McMaster University Zain Chagla McMaster University |
