Abstract
Objective: Half of new human papilloma virus ((HPV)) infections occur between the ages of 15 and 24. As preventive measures are underutilized globally; international university students are at particular risk for HPV infection and sequelae. The study aim was to explore HPV knowledge and preventive behaviors in this population. Participants: Eighty-one undergraduate and graduate international university students (49 females, 32 males) at a southeastern university. Methods: Exploratory sequential mixed methods guided by the Health Belief Model. Results: Integrated qualitative/quantitative data revealed four themes mapped to relevant HBM constructs: Perceived susceptibility to HPV; Perceived benefits/Perceived barriers to HPV prevention; Cues to Action; and Likelihood of Engaging in Health-Promoting Behavior. Over half believed they were not at risk for HPV/sequelae. Only a quarter had received HPV vaccination. Conclusions: International university students represent an important catch-up population for HPV screening/vaccination. Results can be used to design and tailor interventions for this vulnerable population.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of American College Health |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Keywords
- Behaviors
- cancers
- human papilloma virus
- knowledge
- prevention
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health