Disentangling the Role of Religiosity in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

J Relig Health. 2022 Apr;61(2):1734-1749. doi: 10.1007/s10943-021-01490-5. Epub 2022 Feb 3.

Abstract

Religion is a complex and sociocultural driver of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination decisions, but its exact role has been mixed/unclear. We used a cross-sectional study of 342 Christian parents to examine the associations between the three domains of religiosity (organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic) and the intention to (i) seek HPV information and (ii) receive the HPV vaccine. Organizational religiosity was the only domain that was positively associated with information-seeking intention regardless of the type of covariates included. Mixed findings in the association between religiosity and HPV vaccination decisions may depend on the religiosity domain being assessed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Christians; HPV vaccination; Human papillomavirus (HPV); Intention; Muslims; Religiosity; Spirituality.

MeSH terms

  • Alphapapillomavirus*
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Christianity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Pandemics
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines*
  • Parents
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines