Video-based interventions to promote HPV vaccination among individuals aged 9 to 26: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and is associated with approximately 40,000 new cancer cases each year, affecting both males (e.g., oropharyngeal, anal cancers) and females (e.g., cervical, vaginal cancers). The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for individuals aged 9 to 26, and studies have shown that HPV vaccines are effective in reducing the rates of cancers. Video-based interventions may be an effective strategy to increase vaccination uptake. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on using video interventions to promote HPV vaccination outcomes (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, self-efficacy, and uptake). A systematic review protocol was developed following PRISMA-P guidelines. Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed, ERIC, and PsycINFO, using keywords from a comprehensive review of HPV vaccination interventions and videos, with no date restrictions. Inclusion criteria focused on RCTs and quasi-experimental studies using videos as interventions. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened independently by two reviewers following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled effect sizes (Hedge’s g) were calculated using random effects modeling via the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Eighteen articles, including 5,873 participants (ranging from 35 to 739), were included in this review. The majority of these studies were conducted in the U.S. (k = 12, 66.6%), RCTs (k = 7, 38.8%), and included females (k = 16, n = 4,956, 84.4%). Most studies employed informational videos (n = 11, 61.2%), while five used narrative/storytelling videos. Four studies that combined videos with additional strategies. Of the studies reporting HPV vaccine outcomes (k = 8), initiation rates ranged from 2.4% to 51.9%. All eight studies (100%) reported significant improvements in HPV, vaccine, and/or cervical cancer knowledge. The five studies examining vaccine intention showed consistent increases in intent to vaccinate. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, yielding pooled effect sizes ranging from small to moderate (g = 0.16 to 0.62), indicating a modest but meaningful impact of video-based interventions on HPV-related outcomes. This review underscores the need to expand video-based interventions to promote HPV vaccination beyond traditional methods like education and flyers. More focus is needed on males aged 9 to 26, as most studies targeted females. Developing and evaluating strategies, including social media interventions, could enhance HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents and young adults. PROSPERO ID: CRD42025650071. Trial registration PROSPERO ID: CRD42025650071.