HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability among Hispanic fathers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection linked to several cancers.
• HPV vaccination is a critical tool for cancer prevention, yet uptake varies across populations.
• Understanding knowledge and attitudes among specific demographic groups is essential for targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge among immigrant Hispanic men.
• To evaluate the acceptability of HPV vaccination for adolescent children within this population.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for HPV vaccine decision-making among Hispanic fathers.

Main Methods:

• A convenience sample of 189 immigrant Hispanic men was recruited.
• Data were collected via calls to the National Cancer Institute's Spanish-language Cancer Information Service.
• Surveys assessed HPV knowledge, risk factor awareness, and vaccine acceptability for sons and daughters.

Main Results:

• A high proportion of participants expressed willingness to vaccinate their adolescent son (87.5%) and daughter (78.8%) against HPV.
• Awareness of HPV itself was low within the sample.
• Knowledge regarding key HPV risk factors was inconsistent among participants.

Conclusions:

• Culturally relevant educational strategies are needed to address low HPV awareness among Hispanic fathers.
• Increased knowledge can empower informed decision-making regarding HPV vaccination for adolescents.
• Interventions should be tailored to the specific cultural context and information needs of this community.