The use of Web-based interactive technology to promote HPV vaccine uptake among young females: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Currently no study has investigated whether Web-based interactive technology can influence females to adopt healthy behaviors. We investigated how and under what conditions do Web-based interactivity influence vaccination intentions among young females. Methods In this randomized controlled trail, we conduct a 2 (mode of information presentation: narrative vs. data visualization) × 2 (interactivity: interactive information vs. noninteractive information) between-groups design. A total of 180 Chinese female undergraduate students who had never received HPV vaccination were randomly allocated to 4 experimental groups. Each participant was assessed for their information avoidance behavior and vaccination intention. The hypotheses were tested using a moderated mediation model. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0 with probability set at 0.05 alpha level. Results The indirect relationship between interactivity and behavioral intention though information avoidance was moderated by the mode of presentation. Under the narrative condition, interactivity (vs. non-interactivity) decreased information avoidance and increased the intention to receive HPV vaccination (B = -.23, SE = 0.10, P < 0.05). However, under data visualization condition, no significant difference was observed between the effects of interactivity and non-interactivity on intention. Conclusion The findings suggest that when young females experience difficulties in manipulating or understanding HPV-related information, their information-avoidance behavior is likely to increase. Rather than use interactive statistical or graphical information, young females are more likely to be persuaded by interactive narratives.

Impact of web-based health education on HPV vaccination uptake among college girl students in Western and Northern China: a follow-up study

“…Moreover, this study explored not only the immediate effects after the intervention, but also the long-term effects on both vaccination intention and vaccination behavior after a one-month interval. Last, we adopted an interactive narrative to educate students, rather than just textual or graphic information, to help boost students' willingness to get the HPV vaccine and their vaccination behavior [ 16 ].…”