Toward an Understanding of the Lack of Transmission of Facts About Human Papillomavirus: Qualitative Case Study.

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease. Although extensive information about HPV is available and could help women prevent infection, a widespread lack of knowledge transmission hinders many women in Saudi Arabia from taking necessary preventive steps. Previous studies have reported low levels of HPV awareness among women in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of understanding the barriers to effective information dissemination. Identifying the factors that influence the transmission of HPV-related knowledge is essential for designing targeted and impactful public health interventions.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors that either block or facilitate the transmission of HPV-related facts among women in Saudi Arabia, using the HPV facts transmission model as a theoretical framework.

Methods: A qualitative case study design was used, involving semistructured interviews with 20 women in Saudi Arabia aged 23 to 42 years. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. The data were analyzed using pattern matching to assess how participant responses aligned with 11 predefined propositions from the HPV facts transmission model, which integrates individual and social influences on health information-seeking behavior.

Results: Of the 11 propositions, 8 (73%) were supported by the data. Five were individual-level factors (personal need to learn, stigma, language barriers, technology use, and individual qualities), while 3 were social-level factors (social promotion, social support, and cultural norms). These factors were classified as barriers, resources, or both, depending on their influence on women's intention to seek HPV-related knowledge. For instance, personal motivation, curiosity, and digital access facilitated knowledge acquisition, while stigma, limited Arabic-language resources, and conservative social norms served as major deterrents. Three propositions (social structure, suppression structure, and interaction or collaboration) did not align with participant experiences and were excluded from the final model.

Conclusions: Understanding these barriers and resources is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve HPV knowledge dissemination. Strategies should include culturally appropriate awareness campaigns, accessible Arabic-language educational materials, and the integration of digital tools to encourage confidential learning. Addressing stigma through community engagement and structured education programs can further enhance HPV fact transmission, ultimately supporting informed decision-making and preventive health behaviors among women in Saudi Arabia.