Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides an effective strategy against HPV infection, genital warts, and cervical cancer. While the HPV vaccine is available worldwide, acceptance outside of Western countries is unknown. The purpose of the study was to examine health beliefs and intention to obtain the HPV vaccination among undergraduate women in Taiwan. A predictive model of HPV vaccination intention was investigated.
Methods: A convenience sample of 845 female undergraduate students (mean age = 20 years, aged: 17-36 years) recruited from 5 universities located in South Taiwan, provided data. A self-administered questionnaire requested demographic information, gynecologic history, awareness of HPV and the vaccine, health beliefs, and intention to obtain the HPV vaccine.
Results: Over 50% of the undergraduate women were aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Sixty-three percent of the students reported a high intention to obtain the HPV vaccine. Demographic factors predicting HPV vaccination included: age, family history of gynecologic cancer, personal history of gynecological visit, sexual experience, and awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Health belief factors predicting HPV vaccination included: personal susceptibility of disease, perception of disease severity, attributes of HPV, cost and availability of vaccine, attributes of HPV, and recommendations from others.
Conclusions: Improving undergraduate women's HPV vaccination rate will require educational campaigns, specifically focused on the efficacy, safety, and benefits of the HPV vaccine and the attributes of HPV infection. Targeting incoming students who are not yet sexually active could achieve successful outcomes.