Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding HPV Vaccination and Self-Sampling Among US Young Adults

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-3-2025

Journal

Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education

DOI

10.1007/s13187-025-02701-3

Keywords

Cervical cancer prevention; HPV self-sampling; HPV vaccination; HPV vaccine uptake; Health disparities; Healthcare provider recommendations; Human papillomavirus (HPV); Preventive health behaviors; Screening barriers and facilitators; Sexual and gender minorities; US young adults

Abstract

Given the high HPV and cervical cancer rates and related disparities, this study assessed correlates of HPV-prevention behaviors among US adults. Using the 2022 online survey data from 880 US adults (M = 27.62; 66.0% female, 43.8% sexual minority, 8.7% Hispanic, 73.9% White, 4.5% Black, 11.9% Asian, 9.7% other race), multivariable regression analyses assessed sociodemographic and HPV knowledge in relation to HPV vaccination, willingness to vaccinate one's child, and willingness to engage in HPV self-sampling (among individuals with a cervix). The most common reason for HPV vaccination (58.0%) was doctor recommendation (84.2%), while the main reason for not being vaccinated (42.0%) was the lack of doctor recommendation (51.6%). HPV vaccination was associated with being younger (aOR = 0.88, CI = 0.84-0.93), female (aOR = 2.70, CI = 1.92-3.85), bachelor's (vs. < bachelor's; aOR = 1.82, CI = 1.16-2.86) or > bachelor's degree educated (aOR = 1.85, CI = 1.01-3.12), not having children (aOR = 0.44, CI = 0.27-0.72), and greater HPV knowledge (aOR = 1.20, CI = 1.10-1.30). Willingness to vaccinate one's child was associated with identifying as a sexual minority (vs. heterosexual; B = 0.16, CI = 0.05-0.27), Asian race (vs. White; B = 0.20, CI = 0.04-0.36), not having children (B = - 0.23, CI = [- 0.38, - 0.08]), greater HPV knowledge (B = 0.06, CI = 0.03-0.08), and HPV vaccination (B = 0.39, CI = 0.28-0.50). Among participants with a cervix (n = 501), willingness to try HPV self-sampling was associated with identifying as another race (vs. White; B = 0.44, CI = 0.09-0.79), not having children (B = - 0.30, CI = [- 0.61, - 0.01]), greater HPV knowledge (B = 0.11, CI = 0.05-0.17), and fewer concerns about self-sampling (B = - 0.33, CI = [- 0.42, - 0.24]). Interventions involving healthcare providers and parental education are essential for promoting HPV prevention behaviors and reducing disparities.

Department

Prevention and Community Health

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