Social-Cognitive Predictors of Intention to Vaccinate Against the Human Papillomavirus in College-Age Women

This study examined social-cognitive predictors of college-age women's intentions to obtain the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TBP) as theoretical guides. Questionnaire data were collected from 143 women at a Midwestern university. Among the HBM variables, perceived susceptibility to HPV, perceived benefits of the vaccine, and self-efficacy to obtain the vaccine were significant predictors. Among the TPB variables, positive attitudes toward the vaccine and beliefs that important others would support vaccination predicted intentions. A model with all HBM and TPB variables explained nearly 60% of the variance in intentions. Comparison of the theories suggests that the TPB is a better predictor of intentions than the HBM. Results suggest that targeting personal beliefs about the vaccine, and increasing acceptance for the vaccine among social network members, may increase vaccination intentions among college-age women.