Improving Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake in College Students: A Socioecological Perspective

ABSTRACT

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain relatively low, despite new recommendations found in Healthy People 2020. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine vaccination rates, identify factors that influenced initiation/continuance of HPV vaccine series, and identify levels of influence for HPV health behaviors in college students. Methods: Two hundred first- and second-year college students completed an online survey to determine HPV knowledge, vaccine perceptions/behaviors, and Health Education sources. The socioecological model provided a framework to examine students’ responses regarding sources of influence for current and future health behaviors and vaccine uptake. Results: Forty-eight percent reported receiving the HPV vaccine, yet only 7 out of 36 males had been vaccinated. Students indicated being most influenced by community/organizational factors such as physicians (79.5%), mother (75%), and father (36%). Discussion: Gender and ethnicity were found to be predictive of vaccine uptake, whereas HPV knowledge did not independently contribute to vaccination rates. Students reported primarily preferring to hear about sexual health issues from school classes or lectures, a health care provider, media sources, or family members. Translation to Health Education Practice: Results highlight the importance of moving beyond HPV intervention strategies that function only to improve knowledge and include components that address various levels of influence.