HPV education and vaccination uptake in college students

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this DNP project was to establish baseline human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, improve baseline knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines, reduce barriers to HPV vaccination, and increase intention of HPV vaccine uptake among college students. Methods: A precaution adoption process model-based survey, in-person education session, and posteducation survey were administered to college students in a Midwestern university to measure perceptions of HPV and HPV vaccination as well as to identify barriers to HPV vaccination. Results: From the preeducation survey to the posteducation survey, correct answers to questions increased, and barriers and misconceptions about HPV and the HPV vaccine decreased, indicating successful education. HPV vaccination intent, defined as indication of “likely” or “very likely” to receive the vaccine on the surveys, rose from 28.0% to 90.7% among participating college students. Conclusion: This study showed that implementing engaging, in-person HPV prevention education is an effective method for decreasing barriers related to vaccination and increasing vaccination intention.