Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Hispanic women have the highest rates of HPV-related cervical cancer compared to all other groups in the U.S. Previous research has delineated several unique barriers to HPV vaccination among Hispanic women, suggesting that interventions that focus on addressing these barriers may improve HPV vaccination compliance in this population. To address some of these unique barriers, an online tailored messaging intervention was developed and tested. Initial analyses demonstrate that participants exposed to an online intervention demonstrated higher intentions to vaccinate for HPV after viewing the informational materials. The next phase of the project will be comprised of promoting use of the online intervention to the general public through the use of theory-based, pretested messages delivered via advertisements on Facebook and Twitter. Specifically, messages will be targeted based on differences between Hispanic parents of adolescents and Hispanic young adults. Previous research has explored the use of the Extended Parallel Processing Model as a theory to guide messages designed to promote health behaviors. The current study extends this work in the area of HPV prevention. Specifically, it seeks to examine the use of this theory as a means to stimulate information seeking behavior in the form of use of the previously developed online intervention that provides information about HPV. We also hope to make a significant contribution to research demonstrating the importance of targeting messages based on differences in population characteristics. Additionally, this study seeks to build on research examining the use of social media sites as a means for implementing health interventions and promoting positive health outcomes. Ultimately, the current study seeks to improve both the HPV vaccination decision-making process and HPV vaccination rates. If this was achieved among the Hispanic population it could substantially decrease disparities in cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
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Intention to Seek Information - 1
Timeframe: 1 day (one time while participants viewed the brief intervention.)
Intention to Seek Information - 2
Timeframe: Outcome was measured one time immediately post-intervention via the post-survey items described to assess their degree of intention.