A Digital Education Intervention Based on Protection Motivation Theory on Young Women’s Intention to get HPV Vaccination

Abstract

Objective: HPV vaccination is a crucial primary prevention strategy to reduce the incidence of HPV infection; however, vaccination rates remain low. This is closely related to individuals' intentions to receive the HPV vaccination, which plays a significant role in decreasing HPV infections and controlling cervical cancer in women. To enhance intention and promote positive health behaviors, effective education is essential. This study aims to assess the impact of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)-based digital health education on the intention to receive the HPV vaccination among young women.

Method: A quasi-experimental design with a two-group pre-post test approach was utilized, involving 136 respondents who were divided into an intervention group (68) and a control group (68). The inclusion criteria included adolescent girls aged 16-18 years. The instrument used was based on a six-domain model. Statistical analyses were performed using paired sample t-tests and ANCOVA.

Results: The study found a significant difference in scores within the intervention group that received PMT-based digital health education, with a p-value of 0.000. Conversely, the control group did not show any significant difference in scores, with a p-value of 0.325. A significant difference in scores between both groups was also observed, with a p-value of 0.000.

Conclusion: PMT-based digital health education effectively influences the intention to receive the HPV vaccination among young women, suggesting its potential as a key strategy in increasing vaccination uptake and preventing HPV-related diseases.