Behavioral determinants for vaccine acceptability among rurally located college students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Rural, college-aged adults face vaccination barriers due to socioeconomic status and life demands.
• Medically underserved populations often have limited access to essential immunizations.
• Understanding behavioral determinants is crucial for improving vaccination rates in specific demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore behavioral determinants of vaccination uptake among rural college students using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).
• To identify social and behavioral factors influencing vaccination intent and acceptance in this population.
• To inform targeted interventions for increasing vaccine coverage.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study was conducted with 208 college students in a rural area.
• The study assessed attitudes, normative beliefs, perceived behavioral control, and vaccination intent.
• Data analysis focused on the relationship between TPB constructs and vaccination uptake.

Main Results:

• Positive attitudes and normative beliefs regarding vaccination were observed.
• Work demands significantly impacted vaccination attitudes and intent.
• Perceived behavioral control did not emerge as a significant predictor of vaccination intent.

Conclusions:

• Vaccination interventions and physician communication should target attitudes and subjective norms in rural, underserved communities.
• Specific focus on increasing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake is recommended.
• Promoting vaccine acceptance among minority groups is essential for broader community health.