Preliminary efficacy of a tailored narrative intervention to increase human papillomavirus vaccination intention among a multi-ethnic sample of female students

Abstract

Objective. We investigated the preliminary efficacy of a tailored human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on-line intervention designed to increase HPV vaccination intention. Participants. Female college students (N = 101; 18-26 years), who have not received the HPV vaccine. Methods. Participants were randomized to either a control group to read standard Center for Disease Control information or a narrative intervention group to read two narrative messages about HPV/HPV vaccination that were tailored based on the individual’s sexual history and told from the perspectives from a peer and an expert. Participants were assessed at baseline (T1) and immediately after the intervention (T2). Results. The narrative intervention group reported a greater increase from T1 to T2 in vaccination intention compared with control group. Both groups reported increases in knowledge, positive attitude, self-efficacy, social norm, and perceived susceptibility to HPV from T1 to T2. Conclusions. A narrative intervention is promising to effectively increase HPV vaccination intention.