Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance and perceived effectiveness, and HPV infection concern among young New Zealand university students
Carol Chelimo A , Trecia A. Wouldes A C and Linda D. Cameron BA Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
B Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
C Corresponding author. Email: t.wouldes@auckland.ac.nz
Sexual Health 7(3) 394-396 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH10005
Submitted: 20 January 2010 Accepted: 25 March 2010 Published: 19 August 2010
Abstract
Two-hundred undergraduate students completed an anonymous questionnaire after viewing a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine television commercial. Eight-four percent of participants would accept a free HPV vaccine, whereas 47% were unconcerned about future personal HPV infection risk. Males were less likely to accept a free HPV vaccine and to be concerned about future personal HPV infection risk. Perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness was significantly greater among participants who had previously heard of the vaccine and who knew that HPV is sexually transmitted. More education on the role of sexual behavioural characteristics of both males and females in HPV transmission is necessary to promote awareness and concern of personal HPV infection risk and acceptance of HPV vaccination.
Additional keywords: human papillomavirus vaccine, infection concern, perceived effectiveness, sexually transmissible diseases, vaccine acceptance.
Acknowledgements
We thank the participating students at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland.
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