Abstract C043: Sociodemographic predictors of knowledge of the HPV-cancer link and awareness of the HPV vaccine

Abstract

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers and contributes to several other malignancies. Although effective primary prevention strategies exist, disparities in HPV-related knowledge and awareness may contribute to inequities in vaccine uptake and cancer prevention. This study examined sociodemographic and geographic factors associated with HPV awareness, knowledge of the HPV-cervical cancer link, and awareness of the HPV vaccine among US adults. Data were analyzed from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), a nationally representative survey of US adults. Three separate survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with 1) having heard of HPV, 2) knowledge of the HPV-cervical cancer link, and 3) having heard of the HPV vaccine. Models used jackknife replicate weights and adjusted for relevant sociodemographic factors. Complete case analysis with listwise deletion was used for each model. In adjusted analyses, younger age was associated with HPV awareness, with adults aged 18–34 (OR=8.34, 95% CI 4.82–14.44) and 35–49 (OR=7.14, 95% CI 4.34–11.74) having higher odds than adults aged 75+. Compared to those with a college degree or higher, those with less than a high school degree had lower odds of HPV awareness (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19-0.77). Women were more likely than men to report HPV awareness (OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.12–2.14). Lower awareness was observed among non-Hispanic Black (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.36-0.82), Hispanic (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.30-0.67), and non-Hispanic Asian (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.17-0.52) respondents compared to non-Hispanic White adults. For knowledge of the HPV-cervical cancer link, women (OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.12–2.14) and respondents aged 18-34 (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.84-5.02) and 35-49 (OR = 3.26 95% CI 2.07-5.12) as well as those who ever had cancer (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.20–2.39) had higher odds of correct identification. For HPV vaccine awareness, younger age was associated with awareness, with adults aged 18–34 (OR=5.98, 95% CI 3.89–9.18) and 35–49 (OR=5.72, 95% CI 3.73–8.75) showing higher odds than adults aged 75+. Women were more likely to be aware of the HPV vaccine (OR=3.01, 95% CI 2.38–3.81). Lower education (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.57) and lower income (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.30-0.67) were associated with reduced vaccine awareness, and cancer history increased awareness (OR=1.52, 95% CI 1.17–1.98). Rural residence and Appalachian status were not independently associated with any HPV knowledge outcomes after adjustment. HPV awareness and knowledge are strongly patterned by age, education, income, gender, and race/ethnicity. Rural residence and Appalachian status were not independently associated with HPV awareness, HPV-cervical cancer link, or vaccine awareness. Findings support the need for targeted health education and communication strategies to improve HPV-related awareness among men, older adults, and populations with lower educational attainment or income. Rachel A. Wattick, Alana G. Hudson, Kelly D. Blake. Sociodemographic predictors of knowledge of the HPV-cancer link and awareness of the HPV vaccine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 19th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2026 Oct 18-21; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2026;35(10 Suppl):Abstract nr C043.