Can levels of HPV vaccine knowledge mitigate HPV vaccine hesitation among guardians of children aged 9-14 years? A moderated mediation model

Abstract

Purpose: Children aged 9-14 years are the primary target demographic for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination, and the hesitancy of guardians in this age group regarding HPV vaccination is likely to significantly impact vaccination rates among children. Understanding the relationship between Levels of HPV Vaccine Knowledge, HPV Vaccine Health Beliefs, and HPV Vaccine Hesitancy is a crucial prerequisite for improving HPV vaccination rates among children aged 9-14.

Method: We recruited 5219 guardians of children aged 9-14 years in Shanxi Province, China, using a multistage random sampling method. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing Levels of HPV Vaccine Knowledge, HPV Vaccine Health Beliefs, HPV Vaccine Hesitancy, and demographic characteristics, including the current vaccination status of children aged 9-14.

Results: Employing the SPSS macro program PROCESS Model 7, we developed a moderated mediation model. The findings of the study reveal the following: 1) A significant direct effect of HPV vaccine knowledge on HPV vaccine hesitancy was observed; 2) The association between HPV vaccine knowledge and HPV vaccine hesitancy is partially mediated by HPV vaccine health beliefs; 3) The place of residence moderates the initial segment of the mediation effect, with HPV vaccine knowledge exerting a stronger positive predictive effect on health beliefs in rural areas.

Conclusion: These results contribute novel insights to the existing literature by elucidating the underlying mechanisms between Levels of HPV Vaccine Knowledge and HPV Vaccine Hesitancy. These findings hold significant implications for enhancing HPV vaccination rates among children aged 9-14.

Keywords: A moderated mediation model; HPV vaccine health beliefs; HPV vaccine hesitation; Levels of HPV vaccine knowledge.