Partnering with Young Men who have Sex with Men to Co-Design a User-Centered Digital Health Literacy Tool to Support Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Decision Making

What We’re Doing

We’re forming a Community Engagement Council to guide an innovative research study aimed at increasing HPV vaccine knowledge, reducing stigma, and improving vaccine equity among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) across Canada. Together, we’ll co-design an accessible, user-centered digital health literacy tool specifically for YMSM.

Why is HPV Vaccine Decision-Making Important?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and can cause cancers and anogenital warts. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are especially affected by HPV. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against HPV-related diseases, yet awareness and uptake among MSM can be improved.

A tailored, digital tool designed by and for YMSM can help close this gap by empowering informed and confident vaccine decisions.

We’re seeking:

• Young men who have sex with men (ages 18–26)
• (Note: MSM refers to sexual behavior and includes diverse sexual orientations, including those who identify as heterosexual)
• Content area experts in vaccinology, health literacy, sex and gender science, public health, digital health, or community-based research.

Council members will:

• Meet virtually every three months with our research team.
• Guide key project activities (e.g., review and help create study materials).
• Share unique insights on HPV vaccination to shape this research meaningfully.
• Young adults (YMSM) on the council will receive a $25 e-gift card per meeting attended.
• Optional Opportunity: Interested participants can also become “Research Champions” and play an even greater role in our project.

Ready to Join?

Complete the intake form by clicking here.

This study is led by Dr. Stephana Julia Moss from the Department of Pediatrics at Dalhousie University, alongside co-lead Noah Doucette, PhD student from Dalhousie University’s School of Nursing. Our team includes diverse researchers and YMSM community members from across Canada.