HPV vaccination, information sources, and acculturation among Chinese college students aged 18–26 in the United States

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination behaviors among Chinese college students (CCS) in the United States are affected by social determinants of health. Using a selfreport questionnaire and a snowball sampling technique, this cross-sectional study investigated (a) HPV vaccination practices; (b) primary social networking platforms and preferred means of receiving HPV information; and (c) the influence of acculturation on HPV vaccination, HPV information sources, and social networking use among 213 CCS aged 18-26 in the United States. About half (50.7%) had received one to three doses of an HPV vaccine, and 91.7% had received their first dose. The most popular social networking platforms were WeChat (69.5%), Instagram (58.7%), text messaging (55.4%), and Facebook (47.4%). Preferred means of receiving future HPV information included the internet, online social networking, and health professionals. Participants with high Asian identification (AI) were less likely to receive the HPV vaccine than those with high Western identification. Participants with high AI were more likely to use WeChat for their social networking but less likely to use US-based social media platforms. Acculturation, preferred social networking platforms, and sources and communication of HPV (i.e., health professionals, family members, schoolteachers, friends) influenced participants' HPV vaccination. To promote equity of access to health messages and increase HPV vaccination, future efforts should pay attention to CCS with high AI and incorporate their cultural beliefs and practices. Given that nonprofessionals (e.g., family, friends) were influential factors in HPV vaccination, it is critical to tailor interventions for CCS to the recipients and their social circles.

Predictor of HPV Vaccination Uptake among Foreign-Born College Students in the U.S.: An Exploration of the Role of Acculturation and the Health Belief Model

“…However, few studies measured the effect of acculturation on the HPV vaccination status among foreign-born college students. For instance, foreign-born Chinese college students with significant levels of Western acculturation were more likely to receive the HPV vaccine than those with Asian acculturation [ 11 ]. Additionally, Latina mothers with a high level of U.S. acculturation were more likely to vaccinate their daughters against HPV [ 12 ].…”

Google Trends on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Searches in the United States From 2010 to 2021: Infodemiology Study

“…Although previous studies in the United States have explored the influence of social media on HPV vaccine communication [30][31][32][33][34], misinformation [10][11][12][13][14], social interactions, and HPV vaccination behavior [35][36][37], they also highlighted the need for specific strategies to counter misinformation spreading on the HPV vaccine. In our study, we documented an upward trend in HPV vaccine-related searches following federal changes related to vaccine administration.…”

Social determinants and adherence to recommended COVID-19 vaccination among the Arab ethnic minority: A syndemics framework

“…In the latter studies, acculturation was measured by the parameters of being native borne, years of living in the host country, or ability to speak in the native host language rather than acculturation style ( 15 , 54 ). a study from USA found that students with Asian orientation (affinity to separation style) were less likely to have the HPV vaccine and less likely to consult with health professionals regarding the HPV vaccine compared to students with Western orientation (affinity to assimilation style) ( 55 ). Another study found that an assimilation acculturation style was associated with stress among young Muslim ethnic groups in Britain while a separation acculturation style was associated with stress in interactions with other minority groups ( 23 ).…”