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. 2025 Jul 23:13:1612480.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1612480. eCollection 2025.

Factors influencing Chinese young adults' intention to receive HPV vaccination: the mediating role of attitude

Hongyan Wu  1 , Guateng Liow  2 , Zhengxi Zhou  1 , Jifeng Li  3
Affiliations

Factors influencing Chinese young adults' intention to receive HPV vaccination: the mediating role of attitude

Hongyan Wu et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines the intention of young adults to receive the Human Papillomavirus vaccination in China, with a specific focus on the mediating role of attitude within an integrated framework of the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Methods: A convenience sampling method was utilized to collect data through an online questionnaire targeting young adults aged 18 to 26. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modeling to explore the relationships between various factors affecting vaccination intention.

Results: The findings revealed that perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived benefits have significant positive effects on attitudes toward the HPV vaccine. Subjective norms, attitude and perceived behavioral control positively influence the intention to receive the HPV vaccination. Attitude was identified as a significant mediator between these variables and intention to receive HPV vaccination.

Discussion: This study highlights the need for targeted educational campaigns to improve young adults' HPV vaccine attitudes. Public health initiatives may potentially increase HPV vaccination rates.

Keywords: Chinese young adults; HPV vaccination; Theory of Planned Behavior; attitude; behavioral intention; health belief model.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Diagram showing the relationships between factors influencing the intention to receive HPV vaccination. Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived behavior control influence attitude. Subjective norm and attitude influence the intention to receive the vaccination. Hypothetical pathways are labeled H1 to H9.
Figure 1
Research model.
Flowchart illustrating relationships between elements labeled PSU, PSE, PB, SN, ATT, INT, and PBC. Circles represent main nodes connected by arrows with numerical values, leading to rectangular nodes with labels like PSU1, SN1, ATT1, and INT1. Arrows indicate directional flow and quantitative influence.
Figure 2
Results of path coefficients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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