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A brief information–motivation–behavioral skills intervention to promote human papillomavirus vaccination among college-aged women
Authors Perez GK, Cruess DG, Strauss NM
Received 11 May 2016
Accepted for publication 23 June 2016
Published 17 October 2016 Volume 2016:9 Pages 285—296
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S112504
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Amy Norman
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Professor Igor Elman
Giselle K Perez,1 Dean G Cruess,2 Nicole M Strauss,3
1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 2Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 3Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is prevalent among college-aged women. Although HPV vaccines decrease women’s risk for cervical cancer, the vaccination rates remain inadequate.
Objective: This study explored the utility of an information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) intervention in promoting HPV vaccination knowledge, motivation, and intentions among college-aged women.
Methods: In Spring/Fall 2012, 62 participants were randomly assigned to a single-session intervention or attention control and were assessed baseline, post-intervention, and at 1 month.
Results: The participants demonstrated adequate baseline vaccine knowledge, low HPV/cancer knowledge, and ambivalence about the vaccination. Post-intervention, the IMB arm demonstrated increased HPV/cancer and vaccination knowledge, motivation, and intentions. There were no group differences in vaccination at 1 month; however, the odds of wanting to get vaccinated increased sevenfold in the IMB arm.
Conclusion: These results provide preliminary support for an IMB-based intervention in increasing vaccination knowledge, motivation, and intentions among at-risk women. Future research examining the efficacy of longer trials with larger, diverse populations is warranted.
Keywords: human papillomavirus, HPV, vaccination, cervical cancer, Gardasil, IMB
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