Human papillomavirus awareness in a digital world: The intersection of faith and online media

Objective: This study examines the association between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and internet use, social media use, and trust in health information from religious leaders.

Methods: We analyzed national data, collected March–November 2022 in the U.S. The final sample included 3444 adults ages 18–65 years. The outcome was HPV awareness (being aware of both HPV and the HPV vaccine). Weighted chi square and multivariable logistics regression were used to assess the outcome and each predictor, including internet and social media use, trust in health information from religious leaders, and demographic factors.

Results: Among respondents, 62.3 % were aware of HPV. Those who used the internet had higher odds of HPV awareness (aOR = 2.31, 95 %CI = 1.58,3.39), whereas those reporting perceived online health information from social media as accurate had lower odds of HPV awareness (aOR = 0.40, 95 %CI = 0.16,0.98). Social media use and trust in health information from religious leaders were not significantly associated with HPV awareness.

Conclusion: Internet use, but not social media use or trust in health information from religious leaders, may improve HPV awareness. This highlights the need for interventions to guide individuals find reliable sources online and for future research to assess accuracy of online HPV information to facilitate vaccination decisions.