Findings from a qualitative analysis: Social media influencers of color as trusted messengers of HPV vaccination messages.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite HPV vaccination reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer by 90%, vaccination rates remain lower among communities of color due to vaccine hesitancy and mistrust in traditional public health messengers. The emergence of social media influencers, a newer kind of messenger, presents a unique opportunity to share immunization messages in new ways with a variety of communities. This paper reviews the qualitative findings from a study aimed at assessing influencers' perceptions of and approaches to sharing messaging about the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Guided by several theories (Theory of Planned Behavior, Narrative Theory, and Opinion Leader Theory), the study team designed an intervention-based study consisting of qualitative interviews and social media influence

SUBMITTER: Burke-Garcia A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11970659 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature