From Knowledge to Action: Effects of HPV Knowledge, HPV Vaccine Attitude, Gender, and HPV Vaccine Safety Concerns on HPV Vaccination Intent

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of six types of invasive cancer, which are largely preventable through HPV vaccination. Despite recommendations for vaccination through age 26 years, uptake remains low, particularly among men. In a sample of Texas college students aged 18-26 years (<i>N</i> = 298), we tested whether greater HPV knowledge was associated with stronger HPV vaccination intent via more favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccination. We also tested whether gender and vaccine safety concerns independently moderate the relationship between knowledge and attitude. We found that HPV knowledge was indirectly associated with vaccination intent through more favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccination (full mediation), with this knowledge-attitude association independently moderated by gender and safety concerns. The knowledge-attitude link was stronger among females and individuals with lower safety concerns. Even when individuals possess adequate HPV knowledge, lingering safety doubts may override factual knowledge to dampen positive attitudes toward vaccination. To increase vaccination uptake among young adults, findings highlight the need to counter HPV vaccination misinformation and shift the narratives away from safety myths and back to cancer prevention. Additionally, interventions targeting men should prioritize shaping favorable attitudes through relevant and engaging materials, as increasing knowledge alone may be insufficient to influence vaccination intent.