Description
Abstract Background: Arab Americans are a rapidly growing ethnic minority in the United States, but their classification as “White” in federal health data renders them statistically invisible, creating a gap in understanding their preventive health beliefs. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and a leading cause of cervical cancer and other cancers. Parental acceptance of the HPV vaccine is crucial for increasing vaccination among children and adolescents. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is commonly used to understand vaccine decision-making; however, its application to Arab American parents remains unexplored. Aim: This study aimed to explore factors influencing HPV vaccine acceptance among Arab American parents in the United States using the Health Belief Model as a guiding framework. Methods: This qualitative study employed semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with 12 Arab American parents of children aged 9 to 17 years residing in the United States. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. The interview guide was structured around the six core constructs of the HBM: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Physician recommendation emerged as the strongest cue to action, with many parents relying on healthcare providers when making vaccine decisions. Although perceived severity of HPV was high due to its association with cancer, perceived susceptibility was low, influenced by cultural and religious norms emphasizing abstinence. Parents recognized the preventive value of the vaccine but expressed hesitancy due to concerns about safety, side effects, and misinformation. Limited HPV knowledge and cultural stigma surrounding sexual transmission further shaped parental perceptions and decisions. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions to improve HPV awareness and increase vaccine acceptance within this community.
Publication Info
2026.