Young adults unaware of male HPV infection, vaccine benefits

Awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in males and the benefits of vaccination on both genders is low among young adults, reveals a Singapore study.

“Both males and females need to be educated on the various HPV vaccines available and their benefits on anal cancer and genital warts,” the researchers said. “Cost and duration of immunity can influence choice of taking up the vaccination.”

In 2022, researchers distributed a self-administered e-survey via convenience sample over 3 months in Singapore. They collected demographic data and literacy on HPV and HPV vaccine from young adults aged 15–24 years through a secured electronic platform. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to explore the link between vaccine uptake acceptability and literacy of HPV and HPV vaccine.

Overall, 591 participants completed the survey. Of these, 355 were females (60 percent) and 236 males (40 percent). The rate of HPV vaccination uptake was low among males (11.4 percent) but high among females (80 percent). [Proc Singap Healthc 2025;doi:10.1177/20101058251319805]

Both genders had low awareness of the ability of HPV to infect males (50 percent), and many (80 percent) were not aware of the benefits of vaccination to males. Most of the males who did not get vaccinated (82.5 percent) agreed with the recommendation of receiving the HPV vaccine, and many (72.7 percent) respondents were acceptable towards getting vaccination.

Cost (78.9 percent) was the main barrier to vaccination, followed by inconvenience (52.2 percent). On the other hand, lifelong immunity (67.5 percent) and government health policies (67 percent) correlated with vaccine acceptance.

Additionally, nearly one in five (18 percent) unvaccinated males said they would take up the HPV vaccine if it was given for free. If they had to pay for getting vaccinated, most of them (93 percent) were only willing to shell out up to SGD 250.

Of note, the national vaccination program in Singapore does not include HPV vaccination for males. Furthermore, they are required to visit a clinic to receive the vaccine at their own time and pay for the multidose vaccination, which can range from USD 183 to USD 584, according to the researchers.

Anal cancer, warts prevention

“These findings reflect that both genders lack knowledge that HPV can infect males, and males lack knowledge that HPV can infect females,” the researchers said. “Participants also were less cognizant that HPV vaccine could be administered in males (63.5 percent), prevent genital warts (78.0 percent) and anal cancer (79.7 percent).”

An earlier study also found males to have poor literacy of HPV and HPV-related cancer. [Viruses 2021;13:1644]

 “While females knew that HPV vaccine could prevent cervical cancer, few were aware of its protection against genital warts (23.4 percent) and anal cancer (21.1 percent),” the researchers said. “Hence, educational talks through local school health service and media should expound the additional benefits of the HPV vaccine beyond mitigating cervical cancer.”