Abstract 44: Understanding the Role of Faith Leaders in Promotion of HPV Vaccination Among Diverse Religions and Denominations in Kenya

Abstract Purpose: Influential messengers — such as faith leaders — may shape people’s attitudes and behaviors around HPV vaccination. However, there is minimal information about faith leaders’ disposition toward HPV vaccination. We examine faith leaders’ knowledge and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine, and their willingness to speak with members of their faith community about HPV vaccination. Methods: A purposeful qualitative sampling approach was used to identify and select 35 faith leaders in Busia and Nairobi Kenya, representing diverse religions and denominations. The semi-structured interview guide reflected constructs of the WHO Behavioral and Social Drivers of vaccination (BeSD) framework and the COM-B model for Behavior Change. Interviews were audio-recorded and the transcripts were independently coded by two investigators using a codebook informed by the BeSD and COM-B. Results: Faith leaders of all denominations reported having limited knowledge and awareness about the HPV vaccine. Faith leaders commonly hear rumors, such as the HPV vaccine causing infertility, from members of the faith community. Many respondents expressed willingness in speaking to their faith communities about HPV vaccination (high reflective motivation) but were limited by their lack of knowledge (low psychological capability). Conclusion: Faith leaders have differing levels of knowledge and awareness about the HPV vaccine which may shape the ways they approach discussions about these topics with their faith community. The finding of high motivation alongside low capability suggests that interventions that work with faith leaders to increase their knowledge about HPV vaccination and their preparedness for recommending the HPV vaccine may increase pro-vaccination messaging from these influential messengers — which would ultimately contribute to cancer control efforts. Citation Format: Afiya Imam, Nükte Göç Gürpınar, Eric Ochieng, George Ganda, Ginger Golub, George Ayodo, Corrina Moucheraud. Understanding the Role of Faith Leaders in Promotion of HPV Vaccination Among Diverse Religions and Denominations in Kenya [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 44.