The Influential Factors of Information Exposure and Trust on HPV Vaccination Intention of Female College Students

Human papillomavirus vaccine has a certain effect on the prevention of cervical cancer.Female college students, as the appropriate age group for the vaccination, not only pay attention to their health but also have a certain ability to contact information.Taking this group as the research object makes the research have strong pertinency.Understanding the informational elements, psychological factors, and the interactions between them that affect HPV vaccination intentions is crucial for increasing vaccine coverage in this group.This study used a pathway analysis to investigate, using the health belief model, the impacts of exposure to information sources and trust on health beliefs and intention to immunize Chinese students against HPV.Survey results from 456 Chinese collegeaged women were used to compile the data.The results demonstrated that formal and informal information sources had a higher influence on vaccination knowledge and desire to use vaccines.The two variables that demonstrate the evaluation of vaccination behavior, perceived susceptibility and perceived benefit, performed substantial mediation roles in this process.This type of mediation effect test may assist female college students give a new theoretical foundation for the strategy for promoting and mobilizing local HPV vaccination in China.It can also enhance the research of the HPV vaccine dispersion model and health transmission impact.