Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Oct 9, 2025
Date Accepted: May 2, 2026
Willingness to undergo HPV testing among Men who have sex with men in China: An online cross-sectional study based on the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of HPV infection, which can cause serious adverse health outcomes. HPV screening is essential for early detection of precancerous lesions and for reducing the disease burden associated with HPV among MSM. This study aimed to investigate the willingness to undergo HPV testing and its influencing factors among MSM, providing evidence for the development of effective prevention and control strategies.
Objective:
Objective:
To understand the Willingness to undergo HPV testing among Men who have sex with men in China based in IMB model, in order to provide references for policy formulation and intervention.
Methods:
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted via the Blued application from July 15 to August 2, 2024. The survey collected information of HPV testing and infection history, willingness to undergo HPV testing, knowledge of HPV, and motivation and behavior skills toward HPV testing among MSM, etc.. Chi-square test and t-test were used to examine the different distribution of variables between groups. Multivariable logistic regressions analysis was used to identify influence factors associated with willingness for HPV testing among MSM.
Results:
Results:
Among the 1080 participants recruited, 88.3%(n=954) were willing to receive professional-collected HPV testing, 83.6% (n=903) were willing for the self-collected HPV test, 79.0% (n=828) were willing to engage in regular HPV testing. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that HPV knowledge, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers were influencing factors for professional-collected HPV testing. Participants who were retired or unemployed and those who had previously undergone testing were less likely to undergo self-collected testing. Perceived susceptibility, living with partner, and living with family members were influencing factors for regular HPV testing.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
This study found a high level of willingness to undergo HPV testing among MSM in China, but actual screening rates remain low. Strengthen personalized health education initiatives to improve HPV knowledge and explore diversified screening service models are recommended to enhance the testing willingness and ensure sustainability of HPV screening among MSM in China. Clinical Trial: Not applicable
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