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. 2022 Jan;70(1):240-247.
doi: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1740232. Epub 2020 Apr 2.

"I don't think I have a chance to get it": International university student HPV knowledge and preventive behaviors

Chigozie A Nkwonta  1 , Robin M Dawson  1 , Adebola Adegboyega  2
Affiliations

"I don't think I have a chance to get it": International university student HPV knowledge and preventive behaviors

Chigozie A Nkwonta et al. J Am Coll Health. 2022 Jan.

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.

Keywords: Behaviors; cancers; human papilloma virus; knowledge; prevention.

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Figure 1:
Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study Design
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References

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