Female college students’ perspectives on self-paid human papillomavirus vaccination based on the theory of planned behaviour

Yu-Li Lan, Chien-Chih Chen and

Abstract

To explore the perspectives of female college students on self-paid human papillomavirus vaccination based on the theory of planned behaviour. Cross-sectional studies were used to investigate female college students (from freshman to senior) in the Hualien district of Taiwan as the study population. A total of 315 questionnaires were released. The number of valid questionnaires received was 299, and the response rate was 94.92%. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant predictability (R2 = 0.579) in the sample’s attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intent towards self-paid vaccination. Regarding promotion, only 50% of the sample population agreed to receive vaccination at their own cost, and such a percentage increases to 70% or even 80% when vaccination can be offered with a discount or at no cost. Therefore, competent authorities are recommended to promote financial aid programmes, or include HPV vaccination in government-paid vaccination programmes, to increase vaccination rates.