Evaluating a Technology-Mediated HPV Vaccination Awareness Intervention: A controlled, Quasi-Experimental Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background College-aged women and men are at increased risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV) and are considered an important catch-up population for HPV vaccination. Technology provides an attractive platform for HPV vaccination interventions. Limited research has explored technology-mediated HPV vaccination awareness interventions aimed at college students. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a novel, technology-mediated, social media-based intervention to promote HPV vaccination among college students.Methods A controlled, quasi-experimental, mixed methods study examined the feasibility of a technology-based intervention among two undergraduate classes (n = 58) at a public university in the southeastern United States of America. Classes were randomized by coin flip to receive one of two cancer prevention programs (i.e., HPV vaccination [intervention] or healthy weight [control]). Both programs contained eight technology-mediated health promotion sessions, including weekly emails and private Facebook group posts. Participants completed a pre- and post-test web-based survey and submitted weekly qualitative reflections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic review for qualitative data.Results Knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination improved among participants in the HPV vaccination intervention relative to those in the control condition. Participants (97%) interacted on Facebook by “liking” a post or comment or posting a comment. Participants reported that Facebook was easy to use and encouraged interaction, which contributed to the success of the intervention.Conclusion Participants demonstrated robust engagement and high treatment satisfaction. Objective measures and qualitative open-ended assessment of the intervention showed high levels of engagement with the electronic newsletters and Facebook group. This pilot study suggests that social media is an effective platform to reach college students with health promotion interventions and increase HPV vaccination awareness in this important catch-up population.

College Students’ Digital Media Preferences for future HPV Vaccine Campaigns

“…Similarly, one feasibility study delivered an HPV vaccine intervention to undergraduate students via Facebook and electronic news. The intervention increased students’ knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine but did not impact students’ vaccine uptake [ 32 ]. To our knowledge, only one intervention study has reported the role of social media in influencing vaccine uptake behavior.…”

Exploring enablers and inhibitors of eHealth educational tools: The needs of women searching for HPV and cervical cancer information

“…A study conducted in the southeastern United States by Brandt et al reported that the use of social media platforms, such as Facebook, helped increase the awareness of HPV vaccination. 35 Given that social media platforms are simple and easy to use, 35 these platforms can be leveraged to increase awareness about HPV and cervical cancer.…”

HPV Vaccination Champions: Evaluating a Technology-Mediated Intervention for Parents

“…This study included the implementation and evaluation of a 3-month online training designed to cultivate HPV vaccination champions. The intervention was adapted from a successful theory-based, technology-mediated HPV vaccination awareness intervention for college students ( 29 ). Recruitment methods are described below.…”

“…The development of the intervention was informed by best practices in implementation science ( 26 , 30 ) and based on a successful technology-mediated HPV vaccination awareness intervention for college students ( 29 ). Messages and health education information were adapted for parents based on formative audience research ( 8 , 31 , 32 ).…”