2026-2027 Faculty Research Grants

Karen Reiner (Medical & Laboratory Science).

The Role of Religiosity in HPV Awareness and Knowledge: A Post-Pandemic Perspective.

Research has suggested that religious beliefs and practices can shape perceptions of sexual health and potentially affect vaccine awareness and acceptance. Currently, there is a limited amount of data on how this relationship has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among men, who have typically reported lower HPV literacy when compared to women. This study will use a cross-sectional survey to collect data from Andrews University students, faculty, and staff to compare the current findings with pre-pandemic data from a 2017 college campus study. The survey implemented the Duke University Religion Index to assess three aspects of participant religiosity: organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic. In addition to assessing the three religious domains, the survey also included an assessment of HPV knowledge. Using statistical analyses, this study aims to examine whether religiosity is a significant predictor of HPV knowledge and awareness across gender groups. Additionally, this study aims to determine whether HPV’s predictive strength has shifted post-COVID-19. By identifying these shifts in the relationship between religiosity and HVP knowledge, this research could provide insight into culturally and spiritually responsive public health education strategies. These findings may also underscore the need for targeted educational efforts to improve HPV awareness and increase vaccine coverage among both genders in academic settings and college-age populations.