Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Dec 3, 2024
Date Accepted: Feb 8, 2025
The Impact of a Human Papillomavirus Facebook-based Intervention (#HPVVaxTalks) Among Young Black (African American and Sub-Saharan African immigrants) Adults: A Pilot Study.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Despite the availability of prophylactic HPV vaccines, uptake remains suboptimal, among young Black adults. Social media is a platform for the dissemination of health information and can be used to promote HPV vaccination among young Black adults.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the impact of a Facebook-based intervention (#HPVVaxTalks) in improving cognitive outcomes, reducing vaccine hesitancy, and increasing vaccine intention, and uptake among young Black adults aged 18-26 years.
Methods:
A pilot one group pre-post study was conducted among 43 young Black adults who engaged in an 8-week Facebook intervention (#HPVVaxTalks). Participants completed data on HPV knowledge, HPV vaccine knowledge, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine uptake. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measures analysis.
Results:
Thirty-two of the 43 (74%) participants completed the follow-up survey and of the 23 participants who reported not having ever received the vaccine at baseline, 7 (30%) reported receiving the vaccine at follow-up. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in HPV knowledge (p = .001), HPV vaccine knowledge (p < .001), and vaccine hesitancy (p = .007) post-intervention. However, there were no significant changes in other outcomes. Feedback from open ended questions and qualitative interviews highlighted participants’ satisfaction with the intervention and its role in increasing HPV awareness.
Conclusions:
The findings underscore the potential of social media platforms for health promotion among underrepresented populations and the importance of advocating for tailored interventions to improve HPV vaccination rates and reduce disparities. Clinical Trial: Not applicable
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