Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Raymond Panas

Abstract

Less than half of U. S. students entering college have had a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, placing them at risk for HPV-related cancers. This study’s purpose was to identify predictors of HPV vaccination initiation in college students. Andersen’s behavioral model of health services use was used to examine the differences in predisposing, enabling, and need factors in U.S. college students ages 18–26 years who received an initial HPV vaccination in college compared to those who never received an HPV vaccination. The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design using multivariable logistic regression for data analyses. Data were collected through an online survey of 403 college students. Predisposing factors, including lack of influence from religious beliefs (p = .027) and lack of communication with parents about sexual matters (p = .033), predicted not having an HPV vaccination. Enabling predictors of initiating HPV vaccination in college were student education level (years 2–4); receiving a vaccine recommendation by a parent (p = .002), health care provider (p = .016), or other person (p = .016); having prior knowledge of HPV vaccinations (p < .001); and belief that the vaccination is safe (p = .008). Need factor predictors of HPV vaccination initiation were use of the student health clinic (p = .004), sexual activity (p = .049), and use of preventive health services (hepatitis B [p < .001] and influenza vaccination [p < .008]). Implications for positive social change include understanding predictors of HPV vaccination initiation in college students may be used to develop interventions to increase HPV vaccination rates.

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