A cross-sectional study to understand HPV Vaccine hesitancy and influencing factors in Italian adults

Objectives: The Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a cornerstone of cancer prevention, yet uptake remains suboptimal in many countries. This study analyzed the factors influencing HPV vaccine acceptance among adults, including a focused analysis of parental behaviors. Methods: Data were collected through a web-based survey using a questionnaire. We performed univariable analysis and three logistic regression analyses to investigate the determinants in the overall sample and among parents. Results: A total of 1821 participants were surveyed. HPV vaccination uptake was low, with only 6.9% of the total sample and 7.6% of young adults (18–35 yo) vaccinated. Among parents, 47.9% had vaccinated children aged 12–17, and 21.1% those aged 18 and over. Higher health literacy was associated with positive attitudes (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.48–2.79), while receiving information from pediatricians or gynecologists was linked to children’s vaccination status (OR 7.30, 95% CI 2.29–23.31) and parents’ intentions for future HPV vaccination (OR 5.86, 95% CI 1.85–18.50). Adequate knowledge emerged as a strong predictor of positive attitudes (OR 6.50, 95% CI 4.91–8.61) and parents’ intentions (OR 4.89, 95% CI 2.21–10.84). Vaccination status was a key factor influencing parental decisions and overall vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of health professionals and the need for targeted communication to address persistent knowledge gaps and promote HPV vaccine confidence within general population.