Sexual characteristics, knowledge on human papillomavirus-related diseases and its associated factors among high-risk men.

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is sexually transmitted and responsible for anogenital warts and malignancies. HPV-related disease awareness among high-risk men in Malaysia remains unknown. The objective of this study was to assess sexual characteristics and HPV knowledge among high-risk men.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 194 men between ages 18 and 45 years from the HIV and STD clinics of a tertiary hospital and six Health Clinics in Perak participated in this study. Knowledge of HPV was assessed using a selfadministered questionnaire.

RESULTS

Majority of participants were Malays (47.4%) and had tertiary education (54.1%). Most of them (76.5%) were homosexual and practiced the versatile sexual role (69.9%). Majority engaged in oral (72.2%) and anal sex (58.2%). Only one-third of them (30.8%) used condom consistently. Only 14.4% of the study participants had adequate knowledge of HPV. Men who practiced oral sex and had previous STD had adequate knowledge of HPV. Those who practiced oral sex were 3.9 times more likely to have adequate knowledge of HPV.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that most participants have high-risk sexual behaviour. These men also have poor knowledge of HPV-related diseases. This may be a barrier to implement preventive strategies and reduce HPV-related disease and malignancies among them. Counselling regarding HPV, for men attending the HIV and STD clinics may improve patient's awareness and knowledge on HPVrelated diseases and promote HPV vaccination uptake.