Unnes Journal of Public Health
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026)

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

Putri Bungsu Machmud (Universitas Indonesia)
Jessica Silalahi (Universitas Airlangga)
Erni Astutik (The University of Sydney)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

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.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ujph

Publisher

Subject

Public Health

Description

Unnes Journal of Public Health contains articles about health epidemiology, biostatistics health, health administration, public health nutrition, environmental health, occupational health and safety, health promotion, reproductive health, maternal and child health, and other related articles health. ...