Determinants of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intent among three Canadian target groups

To increase the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, understanding the determinants of vaccination intentions for various groups is important. Three studies examining theoretical determinants of college-aged women's (study 1: n = 286), parents' of daughters (study 2: n = 230) and parents' of sons (study 3: n = 137) HPV vaccination intentions were conducted. Participants completed questionnaires assessing constructs of protection motivation theory (PMT) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Results indicate that both PMT and TPB constructs predict intentions for the different groups. Focusing on the response efficacy of the vaccine rather than the severity of contracting HPV may be an effective way to increase vaccination intentions among all groups. Focusing on vulnerability to HPV may only increase intentions among college-aged women and parents of sons, and increasing self-efficacy may only increase intentions among college-aged women and parents of daughters. Findings have implications for understanding differences among groups considering HPV vaccination and tailoring interventions.