Information seeking behaviour differences indicate which US population groups lack information about human papilloma virus and associated cancer risks

Background
The majority of the US population have poor knowledge of cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV). Identifying best sources for communicating this information can guide strategies to promote HPV vaccination.

Objectives
To assess the relationship between sources of health information and individuals’ knowledge of HPV-related cervical and oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods
This study conducts logistic regression on the most recent wave (2019) of the Health Information National Trends Survey. Dependent variables are indicators for self-reported awareness that HPV causes (a) cervical cancer and (b) oropharyngeal cancer. The primary indicator is a variable for different sources of health information: The Internet, professional sources, print materials, friends/family and never looked for health information.

Results
Being female, young, non-Hispanic White and having college education is associated with higher odds of knowing about HPV-related cervical cancer. Controlling for demographic factors, individuals using professionals and the Internet are more likely to know that HPV causes cervical cancer (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.66, 4.25; aOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.75, 3.50, respectively) compared to those who have never looked for health information. Similar results were found for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

Conclusion
Findings provide implications for targeted messaging through effective channels to improve HPV vaccination uptake.