Factors Influencing Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Intention among Unvaccinated Nursing Students in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to identify factors associated with human papillomavirus vaccination intention among unvaccinated nursing students. Methods: Two hundred-and-five female nursing students from three universities completed self-administered questionnaires including participants' characteristics, human papillomavirus-related knowledge, attitude toward human papillomavirus vaccination, and human papillomavirus-related health beliefs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant independent predictors of human papillomavirus vaccination intention. Results: Of 205 participants, 134 (65.4%) reported an intention to obtain a vaccination against human papillomavirus. As a result of the analysis of the bivariate relationships, family history of cervix cancer, perceived needs, importance of prevention, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit, and perceived barrier were significantly related to vaccination intention. A multivariate logistic regression model identified factors of human papillomavirus vaccination intention: higher importance of prevention (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 4.20, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.73~10.19), higher perceived benefit (AOR: 6.94, 95% CI: 2.01~23.98), lower perceived barrier (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.20~0.73). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated significant factors influencing the intention to obtain human papillomavirus vaccination in unvaccinated nursing students. Also, the importance of prevention, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit, and perceived barrier in obtaining human papillomavirus vaccination should be taken into account when developing educational programs.