Knowledge Levels and Health Beliefs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Population About Human Papilloma Virus and Vaccine.

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission routes place all individuals at equal risk; however, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are disproportionately affected due to barriers in accessing health services and the impact of stigma, making it crucial to understand their health beliefs and knowledge levels.

Methods: This descriptive study aimed to assess the knowledge levels and health beliefs of LGBTQ individuals regarding HPV and its vaccine. The study, conducted between November 2020 and March 2021, was reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline. Three hundred and twenty-three individuals who agreed to participate in the study during this date range were included in the study using the snowball sampling method. Personal information form, HPV Infection Knowledge Scale, and Health Belief Model Scale were used as data collection tools.

Results: The mean scores of participants on the HPV Knowledge Scale were 3.42 ± 2.24. Of the participants, 39.6% reported no prior knowledge of the HPV vaccine, and among those who had heard of the vaccine, 88.2% had not received it. The mean scores of participants who had received the vaccine were higher on perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived susceptibility sub-dimensions than those who had not, while the mean scores on perceived barriers were lower (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study finds that LGBTQ individuals have insufficient knowledge about HPV and are less likely to have received the HPV vaccine. However, low perceived barriers and high perceptions of the benefits, severity, and susceptibility of HPV vaccination can enhance preventive behaviors. Nurses should offer counseling and information to improve LGBTQ individuals' perceptions of the HPV vaccine, thereby increasing preventive actions against HPV infection.