Decisions, Decisions: Assessing College Females’ Stages of Change Regarding the HPV Vaccination

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar VI
  In Scholar to Scholar Session: Perceptions of risk in health decision making

Abstract

This study utilizes the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), specifically Stages of Change, to examine college females’ (N=195) knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms as it relates to getting the Gardasil® vaccination. The HPV vaccine was developed for females to prevent common HPV infections that cause cervical cancer. Results support TTM and serve to extend the literature on HPV by providing support for the need for change in early stages and stability in later stages.

Author

• Sydney Staggers, West Virginia University