Factors influencing HPV vaccine initiation and intentions among Central American immigrant fathers in the United States: An exploratory cross-sectional study.
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Research on HPV vaccine uptake among Latino populations is growing, yet Central American immigrant fathers remain underrepresented. This exploratory cross-sectional study examined HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) among Central American fathers from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras residing in the U.S. It aimed to identify sociodemographic, cultural, and health-related factors associated with vaccine initiation and intentions, with a focus on length of U.S. residence. A convenience sample of 76 fathers completed a telephone-administered survey assessing HPV-related KAB. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine differences by years in the U.S. (<19 vs. ≥19), and multivariable logistic regression assessed predictors of vaccine initiation and intentions. Overall awareness of HPV (72.4 %) and the HPV vaccine (64.5 %) was moderate, with no significant differences by length of residency. HPV-related knowledge was generally high, though recent immigrants were more likely to know condom use reduces HPV transmission, while long-term residents were more likely to reject common misconceptions. Despite favorable attitudes, concerns about safety and timing remained high, especially among long-term residents. Only 13.2 % of children had received the vaccine, and just 14.5 % of fathers reported a provider recommendation. Recent immigrants reported higher vaccination intentions, particularly for sons. Multivariable analysis showed that positive attitudes-but not knowledge-significantly predicted vaccine initiation. No factors significantly predicted vaccine intention. These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored interventions that build trust, address hesitancy, and engage providers. Involving fathers is critical to improving HPV vaccine uptake and reducing disparities in Central American immigrants.