Scott D Rhodes1, Kenneth C Hergenrather. 1. Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7440, USA. Scott Rhodes@unc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies continue to show that the majority of men who have sex with men in the United States remain unvaccinated against hepatitis B despite the licensure of an efficacious vaccine in 1982. METHODS: A theory-based, qualitative approach is used to explore acceptance of hepatitis B vaccination among men who have sex with men residing in Birmingham, Alabama. RESULTS: A total of 62 self-identified men who have sex with men (mean age = 25 +/- 2.3; range: 18-36 years) participated in one of eight focus groups. Among the findings of this study, participants reported low levels of perceived susceptibility to infection; lacked basic information about hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccination; did not perceive their providers to be comfortable with discussing their same-sex sexual behavior; did not identify tangible or intangible benefits to vaccination; had limited access to health care and had little continuity of care; did not trust federally supported vaccination efforts; and reported the inundation of HIV prevention messages hampered their receptivity to health messages in general. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to enhance awareness and facilitate hepatitis B vaccination among men who have sex with men. While further research is necessary, our findings indicate that numerous barriers to hepatitis B vaccination exist that may result in low vaccination rates. Prevention efforts would benefit from addressing these barriers.
BACKGROUND: Studies continue to show that the majority of men who have sex with men in the United States remain unvaccinated against hepatitis B despite the licensure of an efficacious vaccine in 1982. METHODS: A theory-based, qualitative approach is used to explore acceptance of hepatitis B vaccination among men who have sex with men residing in Birmingham, Alabama. RESULTS: A total of 62 self-identified men who have sex with men (mean age = 25 +/- 2.3; range: 18-36 years) participated in one of eight focus groups. Among the findings of this study, participants reported low levels of perceived susceptibility to infection; lacked basic information about hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccination; did not perceive their providers to be comfortable with discussing their same-sex sexual behavior; did not identify tangible or intangible benefits to vaccination; had limited access to health care and had little continuity of care; did not trust federally supported vaccination efforts; and reported the inundation of HIV prevention messages hampered their receptivity to health messages in general. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to enhance awareness and facilitate hepatitis B vaccination among men who have sex with men. While further research is necessary, our findings indicate that numerous barriers to hepatitis B vaccination exist that may result in low vaccination rates. Prevention efforts would benefit from addressing these barriers.
Authors: Scott D Rhodes; Kenneth C Hergenrather; Aimee Wilkin; Jose Alegría-Ortega; Jaime Montaño Journal: J Natl Med Assoc Date: 2006-04 Impact factor: 1.798
Authors: Peter A Newman; Naihua Duan; Sung-Jae Lee; Ellen T Rudy; Danielle S Seiden; Lisa Kakinami; William E Cunningham Journal: Vaccine Date: 2005-11-21 Impact factor: 3.641