Supporting Informed Parental Decisions on HPV Vaccination through Safe and Personalized AI-Driven Conversations

Univ Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

This project aims to support informed decision making about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among parents of adolescents in the United States through AI-powered, personalized health communication. Although the HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing several types of cancer, vaccination rates among U.S. adolescents remain below national goals. To help close this gap, we developed an AI chatbot that delivers evidence-based messages tailored to individual concerns and communication preferences. Grounded in health behavior theories and message design principles, the chatbot personalizes both the content (e.g., addressing specific concerns) and the format (e.g., message framing) to support informed parental choices. We will refine the chatbot through a user-centered design process involving parents and health professionals, then evaluate its effectiveness in two randomized controlled trials—one conducted online and one in clinical settings. Key outcomes will include attitudes toward HPV vaccination, intentions to vaccinate, and verified vaccine uptake. This innovative and scalable approach has the potential to improve vaccine communication and inform the broader use of AI tools in public health.