Factors affecting HPV vaccination decisions among male university students at Burapha University
Keywords:
Undergraduate students, Knowledge, Human papillomavirus vaccine, Males, AttitudeAbstract
Introduction: Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV-related diseases, vaccination uptake among males remains suboptimal.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intention to receive an HPV vaccination, to assess the level of knowledge regarding HPV infection and the HPV vaccine,
and to identify factors associated with HPV vaccination intention among male undergraduate students at Burapha University.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among male undergraduate students at Burapha University. Data were collected from students across 10 faculties, divided into five health-science faculties and five non–health-science faculties. Forty students were recruited from each of the 10 faculties, yielding a total sample of 400 participants. Data were collected using an self-administered online questionnaire.
Results: The majority of participants (72.54%) reported intentions to receive the HPV vaccine. Among these, 71.53% intended to be vaccinated if the vaccine were provided free of charge, while 27.78% intended to be vaccinated regardless of whether they had to pay for it. Concerning knowledge, most participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge about HPV infection (70.25%) and the HPV vaccine (73.75%). Factors significantly associated with intention to receive HPV vaccination included enrollment in a health-science faculty (aOR = 3.48; 95%CI: 1.86 - 6.52) having a high level of knowledge about the HPV vaccine (aOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.19 - 5.06), and having a positive attitude toward HPV vaccination as compared to a moderate attitude (aOR = 4.15; 95% CI: 2.29 - 7.55).
Conclusion: Most male undergraduate students expressed intentions to receive the HPV vaccination, particularly if the vaccine were offered at no cost. Factors associated with HPV
vaccination intention included the student’s faculty of study, level of knowledge regarding the HPV vaccine, and attitude toward HPV vaccination.
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