Effects of an Educational DVD Intervention to Promote Adherence to the HPV Vaccination Series

Background: Although public health programs are being used to promote Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake, studies have not investigated interventions designed to promote adherence to the 3-dose series among young women. Guided by formative research with Appalachian women, we designed an educational DVD promoting return for doses 2 and 3. Methods: HPV vaccination was promoted through a social marketing campaign targeting women, ages 18-26. After a woman received dose 1 for free, she completed a baseline survey and was subsequently randomized to view or not view the DVD. Women were followed over time in order to assess series completion (N=344). Results: Mean age was 22.0 years (SD=2.4). Among those randomized to the DVD condition, the vaccination series was completed by 66% vs. 47% among those receiving standard of care (P<.0001). Age; marital status; history of abnormal Pap test results; fatalism; worry about cervical cancer; and support by partner, parents, and friends were all not significantly associated with series completion. Intervention effects were moderated by age, with the program working better for those ≤21. Effects were also moderated by marital status, with the program working better for single women. Conclusion: A brief DVD viewed immediately after receiving dose 1 of the HPV vaccine had a significant effect on series completion. This effect was not predicted by a host of other measures, but was stronger for younger women and those who were single. This DVD may prove useful among other rural populations and could be modified for use with racial/ethnic minority women.