Identifying salient beliefs toward developing promising message strategies to promote HPV vaccination among college students: A reasoned action approach

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, is responsible for many types of cancer that affect both sexes. Though vaccines to protect against HPV have existed since 2006, they are still underutilized, leaving college students at risk of HPV infection. In order to address low vaccination rates with a strategic message, we must first understand individual-level factors associated with intention to get vaccinated. A Reasoned Action approach is used to identify attitudinal, normative, and control factors, and their underlying beliefs, associated with vaccination intention.