UC Irvine

Objective: This study examined HPV and COVID-19 vaccination uptake, attitudes, risk perceptions, and exposure to vaccine misinformation among young adults enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Methods: Surveys and focus groups were conducted at three southeastern HBCUs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Wilcoxon rank and ANOVA for group comparisons. Qualitative data were examined through content analysis. Results: Most participants identified as religious and female. A majority (86.2%) reported receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 56.3% reporting a COVID-19 booster. For HPV vaccination, only 56.3% reported having received at least one dose. Vaccinated students reported higher perceived risk, stronger social support, greater peer motivation, lower endorsement of misinformation, and more positive vaccine attitudes than unvaccinated peers. Unvaccinated participants reported low vaccine confidence and high complacency. Participants suggested campus-specific recruitment strategies for HPV vaccination efforts. Conclusion: HBCUs can serve as critical settings for advancing sexual health promotion and cancer prevention among Black emerging adults.