Parental Willingness to Vaccinate Male Children Against Human Papillomavirus in the

Fahad T. Alsulami^*

• Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate parental willingness to vaccinate their male children 16 against human papillomavirus in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia, and to explore the influence 17 of Health Belief Model constructs on this willingness. 18 Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents aged 18 years and older residing 19 in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia, each with at least one male child. Participants were recruited 20 using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through a self-administered 21 online questionnaire assessing HPV-related knowledge, willingness to vaccinate, and Health 22 Belief Model constructs. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent samples t-tests 23 were used to assess group differences. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to 24 identify factors associated with willingness to vaccinate, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. 25 Results: A total of 604 parents participated, with approximately 40 percent expressing high 26 willingness to vaccinate their male children. Parents who demonstrated greater willingness had 27better knowledge about human papillomavirus and its vaccine, perceived higher susceptibility of 28 their children to the virus, viewed the infection as more severe, recognized greater benefits of 29 vaccination, and identified more cues to take action compared to those with lower willingness.Multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted for relevant sociodemographic variables, 31 indicated that perceived susceptibility (odds ratio = 2.85; p < 0.001), perceived benefits (odds ratio 32 = 1.88; p = 0.020), and cues to action (odds ratio = 2.92; p < 0.001) were significantly associated 33 with willingness to vaccinate.The study highlights that parental willingness to vaccinate male children against 35 human papillomavirus in the Makkah region is significantly influenced by perceived susceptibility, 36 perceived benefits of the vaccine, and cues to action. Interventions aimed at increasing awareness 37 of the risks associated with human papillomavirus and the benefits of vaccination, as well as 38 strengthening actionable prompts, may enhance vaccination uptake.