Exploring Chinese College Students’ HPV Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intent of HPV Vaccination: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative research paper explores Chinese college students’ awareness, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and factors contributing to their vaccination intent. The researchers conducted four focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese college students and their awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of HPV. Focus groups data were analyzed based on the Health Belief Model. Participants discoursed perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, cues to action, and strategies to promote HPV vaccination in a discussion format. This paper analyzes potential interventions that address individual, societal, political, and cultural conditions which can be used to promote vaccination behaviors among the young Chinese adult population. Participants exhibited limited knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, but simultaneously expressed willingness to become vaccinated and encouraged others to become vaccinated as well. Healthcare providers, especially nurses, play a key role in promoting HPV knowledge and vaccination in China. Widespread efforts from varying facets of the healthcare system must be implemented to continue to promote awareness and knowledge of HPV and its vaccinations.