Factors affecting intention to HPV vaccination of a university students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in cervical cancer knowledge and health beliefs among college students' intention to HPV vaccination, and to identify factors that influence their intention to HPV vaccination. Methods: This study is a descriptive survey study, and the subjects of the study are 122 students who did not have HPV vaccination in a university located in City D. The intention to HPV vaccination, cervical cancer knowledge, and cervical cancer-related health beliefs were investigated from May 3, to May 17, 2021. Data were analyzed using bivariate logistic regression to analyze factors affecting the intention to HPV vaccination. Results: The intention to HPV vaccination among the study subjects was 105 (86%) with intention to vaccinate and 17 (14%) without intention to vaccinate; Gender and perceived susceptibility, seriousness, and benefit of health beliefs significantly affected intention to HPV vaccination, with females being 3.38 times more likely to be vaccinated than males, and in perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, and perceived benefit being associated with 2.68, 2.15, and 5.20 times more likely to be vaccinated against HIV. Conclusion: Since intention to HPV vaccination is significantly influenced by health beliefs and gender, it is necessary to provide effective interventions to improve the health beliefs of university students in order to improve intention to HPV vaccination. Especially, it is recommended to develop effective interventions such as educational programs or campaigns to target male students since males have significantly lower intention than females.