A5.03 - Oral: Impact of Social Media on HPV Vaccination: Insights from 2023 YRBS and Chicago Public Schools

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover the interplay between various factors impacting HPV vaccination. HPV vaccination rate in the U.S. is influenced by demographic, behavioral, and social factors such as age, sex, and health visits. This study examines how several factors impact the rates among adolescents. We used structural equation modeling to analyze the 2023 Chicago Public School YRBS (N = 1,448) to assess the effects of age, sex, social media use, sexual activity, and healthcare visits on vaccination. Less frequent social media use correlated with a lower likelihood of sexual intercourse (β = -0.034, p = 0.001) and fewer healthcare visits (β = -0.065, p = 0.001). HPV vaccination rates were higher among females (β = 0.087, p = 0.025) and those who recently saw a doctor (β = 0.052, p < 0.001), while Hispanic adolescents were less likely to be vaccinated (β = -0.133, p < 0.001). Findings highlight social media's influence and reveal disparities, informing strategies for targeted interventions in school health.

Detailed abstract description:

Introduction: Several factors contribute to low HPV vaccination rates in the US. Key determinants include age, sex, ethnicity, and recommendations from healthcare providers, among others. Recently, social media has gained attention as a potential influence on vaccination behaviors. Understanding the relationships among these factors is crucial for developing effective, targeted interventions. This study explores the interplay between various determinants and social media usage, focusing on their collective impact on HPV vaccination rates among adolescents. By shedding light on these dynamics, we hope to inform public health strategies to enhance vaccination uptake and reduce HPV-related health disparities.

Methods: We analyzed the 2023 Chicago Public Schools Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 1,448), a cross-sectional, school-based survey designed to examine associations between various factors, social media usage, and HPV vaccination rates. We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the effects of age, sex, ethnicity, social media use, sexual activity, and routine healthcare visits on sexual health behaviors and HPV vaccination. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for rigorous evaluation of the relationships among the variables.

Results: 55.4% (n = 176 ) of females and 44.7% (n = 142) of males had HPV vaccination. SEM showed a good model fit with χ²(5) =3.86, P = 0.569; RMSEA=0.000, CFI = 1.000, and TLI = 1.025. Results showed that less frequent social media use was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in sexual intercourse (β = -0.034, p = 0.001). Younger adolescents (β = -0.062, p = 0.005) and females (β = -0.069, p = 0.005) were also less likely to report sexual activity. Furthermore, adolescents who used social media less frequently were less likely to visit a doctor for a check-up (β = -0.065, p = 0.001). HPV vaccination rates were higher among females (β = 0.087, p = 0.025), those who engaged in sexual intercourse (β = 0.095, p = 0.036), and adolescents who had recently seen a doctor (β = 0.052, p < 0.001). Conversely, Hispanic and ethnic minority adolescents were significantly less likely to have received the HPV vaccine (β = -0.133, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the critical role of social media in shaping adolescent sexual behavior and health-seeking actions, as well as the existing disparities in HPV vaccination rates. This presentation will emphasize the importance of understanding factors influencing HPV vaccination uptake and completion. Additionally, we will discuss professional implications for school health, including the need for targeted educational initiatives, collaboration with healthcare providers, and integrating social media strategies to effectively engage students and their families. These approaches will empower school health and healthcare professionals to enhance vaccination outreach and support adolescents in making informed health decisions.