Breaking barriers: unraveling the impact of cultural beliefs and misconceptions on HPV vaccination uptake—the narrative review

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination represents a critical public health intervention for preventing HPV-related cancers, yet global uptake remains suboptimal due to cultural beliefs and misconceptions. This narrative review examines the multifaceted barriers to HPV vaccination acceptance across diverse populations. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published between January 2010 and December 2025. Search terms included combinations of HPV vaccination, cultural beliefs, misconceptions, barriers, and vaccine hesitancy. Articles were screened for relevance to cultural and social determinants of HPV vaccine uptake. Results: Cultural and religious beliefs significantly influence HPV vaccination decisions across global populations. Common misconceptions include concerns about vaccine safety, fears regarding sexual promiscuity, and misinformation about vaccine efficacy. Structural barriers such as healthcare access, cost, and provider recommendation practices compound these challenges. Successful intervention strategies incorporate community engagement, culturally tailored education, and healthcare provider training. Conclusion: Addressing HPV vaccination barriers requires multifaceted approaches that respect cultural contexts while providing evidence-based education. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating culturally sensitive interventions across diverse populations.