“The problem is that our culture is just so messed up about aging.” Recruiting older men who have sex with men (MSM) into research studies: an example from a study of aging, HIV, and anal HPV.

BACKGROUND: Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those who are older and those living with HIV. After experiencing difficulty recruiting older MSM into a study on aging and anal HPV, we conducted a sub-study to gain feedback on our recruitment methods and explore barriers and facilitators to participating in anal HPV research. METHODS: We conducted focus groups with 30 men who have sex with men (MSM), both HIV-negative and MSM living with HIV, ages 50–75. RESULTS: We identified multiple themes that were barriers to participation including: (1) lack of knowledge about human papillomavirus and anal cancer; (2) research focused on anal cancer or discomfort with topics or procedures concerning the anus; (3) stigma including stigma associated with being men who have sex with men, being out, being a receptive partner, and being considered “older” in the gay community; and (4) confidentiality concerns including a fear of breach of confidentiality. Facilitators to participation were also identified; these motivational factors include altruism, wanting recommendations from a doctor, and desire to receive the best available care. CONCLUSION: Researchers seeking to enroll older men who have sex with men should be aware of these barriers and facilitators to participation in order to maximize recruitment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-022-01752-0.