The study analyzed knowledge about Human Papillomavirus among adults in traditional quilombola communities in northeast Brazil while discussing their sociodemographic characteristics and evaluating sociodemographic variables among different quilombola communities. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative mixed-method study, with face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire application. There is a significant gap in the precise understanding of HPV. Most information was acquired through traditional media, such as TV, newspapers, and radio. Women and younger individuals demonstrated more comprehensive knowledge of the subject. The results highlight the need for specific instructions to improve knowledge about HPV in these communities, with strategies adapted to their sociodemographic characteristics. Enhanced understanding of HPV and the importance of vaccination can significantly contribute to the health and well-being of these populations, decreasing health disparities. With better knowledge about HPV and its consequences, the vaccination rate will increase, which in the long term will mean a reduction in the incidence of cancer cases associated with this virus, especially cervical cancer.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was funded the Foundation for Supporting Research and Scientific and Technological Development of Maranhao (FAPEMA).

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The study is approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Fundacao Universidade Federal do Maranhao, number: 5.836.549.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors