Factors associated with human papillomavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and mpox vaccination uptake among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the UK – findings from the large community-based RiiSH-Mpox survey

Author(s):

George Baldry, Dawn Phillips, Ruth Wilkie, Marta Checchi, Kate Folkard, Ruth Simmons, John Saunders, Sema Mandal, Catherine H Mercer, Hamish Mohammed, Dana Ogaz

Summary:

Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections and are eligible for targeted vaccinations for hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), human papilloma virus (HPV) and mpox. This study examines the sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, and sexual healthcare service (SHS) use associated with vaccination uptake.

Methods We undertook analyses of RiiSH-Mpox - an online, community-based survey with GBMSM recruited via social media and dating apps. We calculated vaccination uptake (≥1 dose) among eligible GBMSM. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with vaccination uptake among eligible participants.

Results Reported uptake in eligible GBMSM was around two-thirds for each of the vaccinations considered: mpox 69% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66%-72%), HAV 68% (CI:65%-70%), HBV 72% (CI:69%-74%) and HPV 65% (CI:61%-68%). Vaccination course completion (receiving all recommended doses) ranged from 75% (HBV) to 89% (HAV) among eligible GBMSM. Individuals who represented missed opportunities for vaccination ranged from 22-30% of eligible SHS attendees. Younger participants, individuals identifying as bisexual, reporting lower educational qualifications, or being unemployed reported lower uptake across GBMSM-selective vaccinations. Individuals who reported greater levels of sexual behaviour and recent SHS use were more likely to report vaccinations.

Conclusion Eligible participants reported high uptake of vaccinations; however, uptake was lower amongst young GBMSM and self-identifying bisexual men. Awareness of groups with lower vaccination uptake will help inform practice, delivery strategies and health promotion, to improve the reach and impact of vaccinations amongst GBMSM.

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Ref:

Baldry, George, et al. "Factors associated with human papillomavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and mpox vaccination uptake among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the UK, findings from the large community-based RiiSH-Mpox survey." medRxiv (2024): 2024-03.