Understanding HPV Vaccine Initiation and Intention Among Central American Immigrant Parents in the United States: The Role of Vaccine Literacy and Healthcare Provider Recommendations

Background/Objectives: The HPV vaccine is key to preventing HPV-related cancers, yet vaccination rates are low, particularly among immigrant and ethnic minority groups. This study explored factors influencing HPV vaccine initiation and intention among Central American immigrant parents in the U.S. Methods: A cross-sectional study with parents of children aged 11 to 17 years. Results: Among the 168 parents (53.8% mothers, 46.2% fathers) in this study, 20% reported that their children had initiated the HPV vaccine and 23% of parents of unvaccinated children intended to vaccinate within the next 12 months. Sociodemographic factors, including the parent’s gender and length of U.S. residence, were significant predictors of HPV vaccine initiation and intention. Higher vaccine literacy was also a key factor, with parents with higher vaccine literacy scores being more likely to initiate vaccination and express intent to vaccinate their children. HCP communication strongly predicted both vaccine initiation and intention, yet fewer than 30% of parents received HPV vaccine information from a HCP, and less than 28% received a vaccine recommendation. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, receiving HPV vaccine information from a HCP was the strongest predictor of vaccine initiation (AOR = 93.23, 95% CI = 14.50–599.63, p < 0.001), adjusting for other variables. For vaccination intention, significant predictors included the length of U.S. residence (AOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75–0.95, p < 0.01), having a U.S.-born child (AOR = 10.47, 95% CI = 1.51–72.68, p < 0.05), and receiving vaccine recommendation from a HCP (AOR = 14.73, 95% CI = 1.77–122.32, p < 0.05). Conclusions: To improve vaccination rates, interventions should enhance HCP training, strengthen provider–patient communication, and address vaccine literacy through culturally tailored strategies and community engagement.