Evaluating a Technology-Mediated HPV Vaccination Awareness Intervention: A Controlled, Quasi-Experimental, Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Vaccinology

Background:

• College students are a key demographic for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination catch-up interventions.
• Limited research exists on technology-mediated HPV vaccination awareness programs for this population.
• Social media platforms offer potential for widespread health promotion among young adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel, technology-mediated, social media-based intervention designed to enhance HPV vaccination awareness among college students.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using social media for HPV vaccination promotion in an undergraduate setting.

Main Methods:

• A controlled, quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study involving 58 undergraduates at a southeastern US university.
• Participants were randomized to an HPV vaccination intervention or a healthy weight control group, both receiving eight technology-mediated sessions (emails and private Facebook group posts).
• Data collection included pre-/post-test surveys and weekly qualitative reflections; analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic review.

Main Results:

• Participants in the HPV vaccination intervention group showed significant improvements in knowledge compared to the control group.
• High engagement was observed, with 97% of participants interacting on the private Facebook group.
• Participants reported robust engagement and high satisfaction with the technology-based intervention.

Conclusions:

• Social media platforms are effective for delivering health promotion interventions to college students.
• This study suggests that social media can successfully increase HPV vaccination awareness in this crucial catch-up population.
• Technology-mediated interventions utilizing social media are feasible and well-received by college students.