30th Annual Student Research Conference
Exploring HPV and the HPV Vaccine: Perceptions, Behaviors, and Potential Barriers to Vaccination
Susan M. Caman* and Faith L. Hoffman
Dr. Alicia Wodika, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to qualitatively ascertain college student perceptions regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and identify barriers to HPV vaccination. The study was necessary to understand current awareness levels of HPV for future development of interventions focused on increasing HPV vaccination coverage. With IRB approval, five focus groups (n=31) were conducted in fall 2016. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim into developed themes. Data analysis was grounded in theory using the Health Belief Model, which focuses on perceptions of disease susceptibility and severity. Categories from the data were developed into four themes: Women's Issue, Stigma, Influences, and Communication. Results also concluded that HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge was low among participants; and that HPV-oriented resources on campus were unknown or not often utilized. Educational health promotion programs are needed to increase student awareness regarding the risks of the disease and benefits of the vaccine.
Keywords: Human Papillomavirus , Vaccinations, Sexual Health, Health Promotion, Health Belief Model, Women's Issue, Stigma
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 10-
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: