A brief information-motivation-behavioral skills intervention to promote human papillomavirus vaccination among college-aged women.

Abstract

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is prevalent among college-aged women. Although HPV vaccines decrease women’s risk for cervical cancer, the vaccination rates remain inadequate.ObjectiveThis study explored the utility of an information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) intervention in promoting HPV vaccination knowledge, motivation, and intentions among college-aged women.MethodsIn Spring/Fall 2012, 62 participants were randomly assigned to a single-session intervention or attention control and were assessed baseline, post-intervention, and at 1 month.ResultsThe participants demonstrated adequate baseline vaccine knowledge, low HPV/cancer knowledge, and ambivalence about the vaccination. Post-intervention, the IMB arm demonstrated increased HPV/cancer and vaccination knowledge, motivation, and intentions. There were no group differences in vaccination at 1 month; however, the odds of wanting to get vaccinated increased sevenfold in the IMB arm.ConclusionThese results provide preliminary support for an IMB-based intervention in increasing vaccination knowledge, motivation, and intentions among at-risk women. Future research examining the efficacy of longer trials with larger, diverse populations is warranted.