The effects of a protection motivation theory-based online educational program on HPV vaccination intention among female medical students in Hubei province, China: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage among female adolescents remains low in China, including medical students. Protection motivation theory (PMT) has been adopted to promote protective behaviors, but little is known about its effects on HPV vaccination. Thus, we sought to determine the effects of a PMT-based online educational program (POEP) on HPV vaccination intention in female medical students.

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, with 204 participants randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups (n = 102/group). The POEP was delivered over four sessions to the intervention group, whereas the control group received regular health education. An interview questionnaire was used for the data collection. For data analysis, the Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, repeated-measures ANOVA, Cochran's Q test, and multivariate regression analysis were performed.

Results: The intervention group exhibited significant increases compared with the control group in HPV vaccination intention, mean knowledge and awareness of HPV, and PMT constructs (P < 0.05). The intervention effects showed significant improvements in HPV vaccination intention (adjusted OR = 5.51, 95% CI: 2.80-6.84), knowledge of HPV (B = 5.09, P < 0.001) and HPV vaccine (B = 3.39, P < 0.001), HPV infection prevention awareness (B = 3.69, P < 0.001), and PMT constructs (B = 1.64 to 6.74, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The POEP effectively improved HPV vaccination intention and knowledge and awareness of HPV and PMT constructs. Thus, it could be a promising way to increase HPV vaccination intention and coverage among female medical students.