HPV vaccine information, knowledge, attitude, and recommendation intention among male college students in China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the status quo of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related knowledge and attitude among Chinese male college students and explore the factors influencing HPV vaccination intention. A national, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among male college students in China to investigate their HPV-related information, knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine recommendation intentions. Path analysis based on the information, knowledge, attitude, and intention model was used to assess the relationships between predictors. In total, 823 male college students participated in the survey. More than 80% of the respondents believed that the HPV vaccine was necessary for their female partners, whereas 136 (16.52%) respondents knew nothing about HPV or HPV vaccines. Information exposure was a positive predictor of HPV-related knowledge. Knowledge subsequently had a positive impact on trust in HPV vaccines, and sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude increased the intention to recommend HPV vaccination (p < .001). Among the demographic characteristics, age and a major in medicine were positively associated with the information score (p < .05). The male college students’ HPV-related knowledge was inadequate and negatively influenced their vaccine recommendation intentions. If we take advantage of the Internet and individual sources to increase students’ exposure to information, we will improve their HPV-related knowledge and attitudes; thus, the intention to recommend HPV vaccination will ultimately be stronger.