Abstract B052: Integrating HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination into HIV prevention: Acceptability and information needs among PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) patients at a federally qualified health center
Authors: Wheldon Christopher W. , Bass Sarah , Collins Bradley 
Published: January 2023

Background: Anal cancer disproportionally impacts gay, bisexual, and other male sexual minorities (GBM). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a safe and effective method to prevent anal cancer; however, coverage of HPV vaccination among adult GBM is low. Key barriers to vaccination are lack of awareness and knowledge of anal cancer, low motivation to get vaccinated, and lack of access and availability. For many young GBM, regular interactions with the healthcare system center around HIV prevention. Thus, we propose that federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) can increase uptake and reach of HPV vaccination by integrating and promoting HPV vaccination in ongoing HIV preventive care (e.g., Pre-exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP]). The objectives of this project were to (1) assess the acceptability of integrating HPV vaccination with PrEP management and (2) determine needs for informed decision making. Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of unvaccinated GBM (18-45) who received PrEP care at a FQHC in Philadelphia. Data collection took place in 2021 and 2022. The main outcome was intent to initiate HPV vaccination within 12 months (5-point scale). Other measures included beliefs about HPV vaccination in PrEP care, perceived information needs, and preferred information delivery modes. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The sample (N=59) was ethnoracially diverse (50.0% non-White) and in the catchup (23.7%; 18-26 yrs.) or shared clinical decision making (76.3%; 27-45) age ranges. Most were gay identified (71.2%) cisgender men (74.6%). Just 23.7% were aware they were eligible for HPV vaccination and even fewer knew that vaccination could prevent anal cancer (11.9%). Overall vaccine intentions were high (M=3.7; SD=1.0). Intentions were 26.1% higher (M=4.4; SD=1.0) if HPV vaccination was offered during PrEP appointments. Most (88.7%) agreed that offering HPV vaccination during PrEP visits would increase the likelihood that they would get vaccinated; however, 64.4% strongly/somewhat agreed that they needed more information about HPV vaccination prior to making an informed decision. Perceived information need was inversely associated with vaccine intentions (r=-0.31, p=0.02). Most participants (&gt;50%) indicated they wanted to know more about their risk for anal cancer and effectiveness of HPV vaccination. The majority (71.2%) preferred to get medically accurate information on anal cancer prevention from a website that they could go to on their own time. Other delivery modes were iPads at their doctor’s office (28.8%), printed information given to them by their doctor (28.8%), and text messages from a healthcare provider (25.4%). Conclusion: Offering and promoting HPV vaccination as part of PrEP management visits was highly acceptable among PrEP patients. Interventions should focus on raising awareness about anal cancer and promoting informed decision making for anal cancer prevention.

Citation Format: Christopher W. Wheldon, Sarah Bass, Bradley Collins. Integrating HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination into HIV prevention: Acceptability and information needs among PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) patients at a federally qualified health center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B052.