An ounce of pain in your pocket is worth a pound of prevention: Utilizing Theory of Planned Behavior to understand HPV vaccination among college females

BACKGROUND: HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and number one cause of cervical cancer in the US. Infection with HPV greatly increases co-infection with other STIs such as HIV. Women under the age of 25 are at highest risk for HPV infection. The HPV vaccine can provide substantial protection against cancer causing strains of HPV; however recent research indicates that rates of vaccination are approximately 25% for young females. METHODS: A theory-based approach was utilized in order to identify the intra- and interpersonal determinants that impact college women's decision to get the HPV vaccine. Forty open-ended questionnaires and five in-depth interviews were conducted among women, ages 18 through 23, utilizing Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical framework. RESULTS: Participants were predominantly white, between the ages of 18-23, in a relationship, and had previously heard about the HPV vaccine. Eighty percent of the participants had already received or intended to receive the vaccine. Salient advantages of getting vaccinated mentioned by the participants include improving health, preventing cervical cancer and prevent HPV infection; disadvantages were cost, side effects, and pain. Most frequently mentioned perceived barriers include doctor's appointment time, embarrassment, time constraints, and being under parents' health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: To support these findings, future research should utilize quantitative methods to explore this behavior further. Qualitative methods should be used to understand provider's role in increasing the rate of HPV vaccination within this population. Lastly, vaccine manufacturers and insurance companies should collaborate to offer the vaccine at a subsidized rate.