Regular Healthcare Provider Status Does Not Moderate Racial/Ethnic Differences in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV Vaccine Knowledge

Abstract

Background: Racial/ethnic minorities generally have a lower knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine than non-Hispanic Whites. They are also less likely to have a regular healthcare provider (HCP). Given the role of HCPs in disseminating health information, we evaluated whether racial/ethnic disparities in HPV knowledge are moderated by regular HCP status. Methods: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey Five (HINTS 5) Cycles One and Two (2017–2018) were analyzed. HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge were compared by regular HCP status across race/ethnicities. Independent partially-adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between race/ethnicity and knowledge after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The resulting adjusted odds ratios were compared to those from fully-adjusted models that included HCP status. Results: After adjusting for regular HCP status, differences in knowledge persisted between racial/ethnic groups. Compared to Whites, Hispanics and Other race/ethnicities had significantly lower odds of having heard of HPV. Blacks, Hispanics, and Other race/ethnicities had significantly lower odds of having heard of the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: Racial/ethnic minorities had significantly lower levels of knowledge despite HCP status. These data suggest the need to address disparities in health information and strengthen provider–patient communication regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine.