Cognition, willingness, and behavior towards human papillomavirus vaccination in Chinese university students: Planned behavior, health beliefs, and media influence

Abstract

This study assessed Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination knowledge, willingness, and status among University of Nottingham Ningbo undergraduate students, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Health Belief Model (HBM). Self-administered questionnaires covered demographics, sexual behavior, and factors influencing vaccination intentions. Quantitative and qualitative analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, logistic regression, and linear regression. Of 373 surveyed students, the HPV vaccination rate was notably higher than in previous studies (45.84%). While participants demonstrated good HPV knowledge, male students were less aware. Intentions to vaccinate were high, influenced by gender, profession, parental education, family/friend cancer history, and health status. The study confirmed TPB and HBM’s efficacy in predicting vaccination intentions, enhancing media-related aspects and perceived barriers. Gender differences in HPV information exposure, media use, and representations were identified, offering insights for optimized health communication strategies.