An Application of the Integrative Model to Women's Intention to Be Vaccinated Against HPV: Implications for Message Design

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the only definitively identified causal agent of cervical cancer. Given the availability of a vaccine that is effective against the two strains of HPV most commonly associated with cervical cancer, understanding the factors that influence women's decision to be vaccinated is crucial to uptake. Fishbein's (2000) integrative model of behavior provided theoretical guidance for a Web-based survey of college women (n = 174). Taken together, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived control predicted intention to vaccinate at R = .83, with attitude being the strongest single predictor by a factor of 2. However, attitude and subjective norm interacted with perceived control such that both were more potent predictors of intention at higher levels of control. These results suggest modification of the integrative model. Attention to the beliefs that underlie attitude revealed that the best candidates for change were feelings of security regarding future health and certainty that the vaccine will provide protection. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for health education.