The efficacy of a web-based educational intervention in promoting acceptability of the HPV vaccine

Research has shown a lack of knowledge and uptake of the HPV vaccine among students. The research tested a web-based educational intervention on knowledge, intention and uptake of vaccination against HPV.
Methods:
This study was designed to evaluate a web-based intervention to improve knowledge about HPV and intention to vaccinate in a sample of 161 students. A 3 (baseline, post-intervention, one-month follow-up) x 3 (cervical cancer, cervical cancer and STI, control) prospective mixed design was employed.
Findings:
ANOVAs showed significant increases in knowledge and understanding of risk factors in the short term the cervical-cancer focused intervention (
p<0.05). No changes in intention or uptake were observed from baseline in either condition.
Discussion:
The use of a web-based intervention was effective in improving knowledge of HPV risk factors in a college sample. This did not translate into positive intentions or uptake. Implications of these findings are discussed.