Impact of Social Media on HPV Vaccination: Insights from 2023 YRBS and Chicago Public Schools

<b>This study examines the impact of social media on HPV vaccination rates among adolescents in the United States, utilizing data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) in Chicago Public Schools (N = 1,448). Using structural equation modeling, we examined the relationships between demographic factors (age, sex, ethnicity), behavioral patterns (sexual activity, healthcare visits), and social media usage. Results showed that less frequent social media use was associated with a lower likelihood of sexual activity and healthcare engagement. HPV vaccination uptake was higher among females, sexually active youth, and those with recent doctor visits, while Hispanic adolescents were less likely to be vaccinated. These findings highlight the indirect role of social media in shaping adolescent health behaviors and underscore the need for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions to increase vaccine coverage.</b>