Locating Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the sexual health of Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men (GBMSM) in Scotland: A Constructivist Grounded Theory study

Clarke, Lewis Jordan

Abstract

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading causal mechanism for a variety of anogenital cancers including cervical, anal, penile, and head and neck worldwide in men. There are evident health inequalities in the risk of HPV infection as a determinant of the risk of these cancers with Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men (GBMSM) more likely to be at risk of HPV-related infections than heterosexual men. Understanding factors associated with HPV vaccination among GBMSM is vital to implementing an effective and efficient vaccination programme. This thesis aimed to explore perceptions and experiences associated with HPV vaccination in GBMSM living in Scotland.

Methodology: This thesis used qualitative methods exclusively. A systematic review of HPV-GBMSM vaccination (prior to licensing in Scotland) used a qualitative evidence synthesis approach to explore previous qualitative literature. Primary research adopted a Constructivist Grounded Theory (Charmaz, 2014) approach to explore collaboratively with 17 eligible GBMSM, how they understood HPV and factors associated with initiation and completion of the vaccination schedule.

Main findings: The findings indicated that GBMSM perceived themselves independent to HPV as a threat to their health and were not pro-actively motivated to seek out and receive the HPV vaccine. In implementing the HPV-GBMSM vaccination programme in sexual health services, participants acknowledged the lack of reach to vaccinate GBMSM equitably given factors associated with the navigation of sociocultural barriers which shape sexual health service use.

Conclusion: There are relevant psychosocial factors associated with HPV-GBMSM vaccination in Scotland. It is important to identify the barriers to HPV vaccination and alleviate experienced and perceived barriers as the vaccination programme continues. Further work is required in order to explore the development of targeted interventions to support those eligible and at risk of HPV-related infections, particularly those underserved by sexual health services.

Citation

Clarke, L. J. Locating Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the sexual health of Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men (GBMSM) in Scotland: A Constructivist Grounded Theory study. (Thesis). Edinburgh Napier University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 21, 2023
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17869/enu.2023.3175113
• Award Date: Jul 7, 2023