Thesis
Using the health belief model to enhance understanding of female college students' intention to receive the human papillomavirus vaccination
Washington State University
Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101310
Abstract
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually transmitted disease in the United States (U.S.) and worldwide. In 2004, the American Cancer Society stated that contracting HPV is the greatest risk factor for developing cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore females' health beliefs and intention to receive the HPV vaccination. A pilot study using descriptive correlation design was used to analyze data. The Health Belief Model (HBM) provided the theoretical framework to explore relationships between females' personal health beliefs and intention of receiving HPV vaccination. The investigator developed a 54-item questionnaire using the theoretical framework. A convenience sample of 32 female college students, aged 18-26 years, completed the confidential questionnaires. Of the 32 participants in this study, 31.3% (n=10) had completed at least one of three shots. However, of the unvaccinated participants, 68.8% (n=22), 53.1% (n=17) stated they did not intend to receive the immunization and 15.6% (n=5) were unsure. Overall, approximately 75.0% (n=24) of sample population thought that the likelihood of their getting HPV was low and 18.8% (n=6) were either unsure or responded that there was a possibility that they could acquire HPV. Also, noteworthy was that 40.6% (n=13) of this female college cohort were unsure if they would gain anything from receiving the HPV vaccine. This study identified that there is a relationship between young females' health beliefs and intention to receive HPV vaccination. For the unvaccinated cohort (n=22), based on their responses to perceived susceptibility, seriousness, barriers, and benefits of vaccination and cervical cancer, none of the female participants indicated an intention to receive the HPV immunization. (Key words: Human Papillomavirus, Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Health Belief Model.
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Details
- Title
- Using the health belief model to enhance understanding of female college students' intention to receive the human papillomavirus vaccination
- Creators
- Kristi Ridgeway
- Contributors
- Denise Smart (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Nursing, College of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525296201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis