Digital Health Literacy and Parental Willingness for School-Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: The Importance of Online Information Searching Skill

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a highly effective primary prevention measure, with over 90% efficacy in preventing cervical cancer. This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between parental health literacy and willingness to accept school-based HPV vaccination in Depok City, Indonesia. Data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire completed by 208 parents. Despite a high overall willingness rate (88.9%), significant gaps remain between general vaccine awareness and detailed operational knowledge regarding dosage and timing. Using a cross-sectional design and multivariable logistic regression, the research identifies that insufficient information exposure is the primary barrier to vaccine acceptance (AOR: 0.06; 95%CI: 0.02 – 0.22). Notably, digital health literacy, specifically proficient online information-searching skills, emerged as a critical enabler of vaccination intent. Conversely, lower skills in self-generated digital content were associated with higher willingness, suggesting a correlation between passive digital engagement and program acceptance. These findings indicate that the success of the School Children’s Immunization Month (BIAS) depends on transitioning from one-way administrative announcements to interactive, literacy-based communication strategies. Strengthening parental digital competencies and fostering structured school-based dialogues are essential to bridging the knowledge-action gap. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to evaluate the long-term impact of digital literacy interventions on actual vaccine uptake across diverse Indonesian contexts.