Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is responsible for many preventable cancers (Braaten & Laufer, 2008; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). Even though a safe and effective vaccine is available, HPV vaccination rates remain lower than desired because of ongoing misinformation, limited knowledge, and parental hesitancy (Aninye et al., 2021; Beavis et al., 2022; Petagna et al., 2024). Since the vaccine is recommended during childhood and adolescence, parents play a major role in the decision to vaccinate (Park et al., 2023; Lopez et al., 2022). The purpose of this study was to assess parents' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers related to HPV, HPV associated diseases, and HPV vaccination, as well as to examine the relationship between parental HPV knowledge and vaccination practices. The study was guided by the Health Belief Model, which suggests that health decisions are influenced by perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and cues to action (Alyafei & Easton-Carr, 2024; Rosenstock, 1974). This descriptive quantitative study used an anonymous online survey created in Qualtrics and distributed through local healthcare clinics, social media, and recruitment flyers in the southeastern United States. A total of 372 parents aged 18 years and older completed the survey. Mathematical and statistical methods were used to develop data models and identify trends regarding HPV. These results reflected parental knowledge and prevention perspectives of HPV. The findings showed that most parents understood that HPV is a sexually transmitted viral infection associated with certain cancers. However, important knowledge gaps remained regarding the lack of a cure for HPV, the recommended age to

begin vaccination, and the appropriate vaccine dosing schedule. The average knowledge score was 3.79 out of 6 (63%), indicating that many parents did not meet the threshold for being considered knowledgeable about HPV. Healthcare providers were the most frequently reported source of HPV vaccine information, and parents who received a strong recommendation from their provider were more likely to vaccinate their children. The most reported barriers included concerns about vaccine safety, fears that vaccination might encourage early sexual activity, and a lack of adequate information. A statistically significant, strong positive correlation was found between parental HPV knowledge and HPV vaccination practices. Greater knowledge was also significantly associated with an accurate understanding of vaccine eligibility, recommended starting age, and dosing recommendations. Overall, these findings support the Health Belief Model as an effective framework for understanding parental HPV vaccination decisions (Alyafei & Easton-Carr, 2024; Mohammadi et al., 2023). They also highlight the important role of healthcare providers in addressing misinformation and closing knowledge gaps through patient education (Coleman et al., 2023; Dickinson et al., 2023;). Providing consistent provider recommendations, structured education, and culturally appropriate educational materials may improve parental confidence, reduce vaccine hesitancy, and ultimately increase HPV vaccination rates, helping reduce the impact of HPV related disease (Adegboyega et al., 2023; Kepka et al., 2021).

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Degree Date

2026

First Advisor

Dr. Emily Stidham

Document Type

Thesis

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