Utilizing a Reasoned Action Approach to examine HPV vaccination

Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents transmission of certain cancer and wart causing strains of HPV. Although at high risk for contracting HPV, less than half of college women have been vaccinated. The purpose of this study was to identify underlying factors influencing the intention of college women to get the HPV vaccine via developing an instrument to examine women's intention to get the vaccine using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA). Methods: Data was collected from two different samples of college women at a large mid-west university via two phases. In Phase 1, a salient-belief elicitation survey based on the RAA was utilized to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Phase 1 data was then utilized to create a quantitative closed-ended instrument which was administered to large sample of female college students in Phase 2. The data was analyzed by conducting content analysis and standard multiple regression. Results: Results indicated that the perceived consequences of getting the vaccine, such as protection against HPV and cervical cancer, were primary determinants influencing vaccination behaviors. Participants perceived healthcare providers and mothers as salient referents influencing their vaccination decisions. Attitude towards the act and perceived norm were the major predictors of intention to get a vaccine. Implications: Utilizing theory-based approaches to design interventions may be beneficial to increase vaccination rates among college women. Such interventions could focus on the attitudes and perceived norms of college students' regarding getting the HPV vaccine and include components which focus on the role of mothers and physicians.